Southwest Allegheny News

Rep. Valerie Gaydos of Allegheny County announced that the 44th Legislative District will receive over $211,000 from Marcellus Shale impact fees. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) reported a total distribution of nearly $279 million this year, marking an increase of more than $44 million compared to last year. This rise is attributed mainly to the average price of natural gas in 2022.

Gaydos expressed satisfaction with the industry's role in job creation and revenue growth. "I am pleased to see the industry continues to create jobs and increase local revenue," she stated. "The funding can be used in a variety of ways that improve our quality of life, including water system upgrades, clean air and road repairs."

The disbursements for the 44th District are as follows: Aleppo Township received $1,121; Bell Acres Borough received $1,811; Crescent Township received $2,004; Edgeworth Borough received $1,653; Findlay Township received $167,413; Glen Osborne Borough received $187; Glenfield Borough received $90; Haysville Borough received $31; Leet Township received $1,151; Leetsdale Borough received $1,245; Moon Township received $18,566; North Fayette Township received $11,507; Sewickley Borough received $3,066; Sewickley Heights Borough received $1,013 and Sewickley Hills Borough got a disbursement of $529.

Allegheny County is set to receive over $2.29 million in total funding. Under Act 13 of 2012, these impact fees are collected from drilling companies with 60% returned to counties and municipalities affected by drilling activities. The remaining funds contribute to a Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund which supports counties further while also being allocated by the state for emergency response planning and training among other activities.

Municipalities can expect checks by early July.