The Impact Fee tax on unconventional natural gas wells will provide substantial funding to communities within the 46th Senatorial District, as announced by Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46). This district includes Washington and Greene counties and parts of Beaver County.
These taxes are additional to the regular business taxes paid by corporations in Pennsylvania. The funds are distributed based on a formula from Act 13 of 2012, which aims to ensure that communities affected by drilling receive adequate funding for various projects such as infrastructure repairs and housing.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority uses these funds to generate grants, amounting to over $23.7 million for the 46th Senatorial District.
Bartolotta stated, “Out of all 67 counties in the state, Washington and Greene counties are both in the top five for the amount of Impact Fee tax dollars received. Our communities will have significant support that doesn’t burden taxpayers for public infrastructure needs, like stormwater systems, emergency preparedness, environmental programs, tax reductions and social services.”
Since its inception in 2012, the natural gas industry has contributed $2.88 billion through impact fees up until the 2024 distribution. This industry is noted for providing numerous family-sustaining jobs.
For further details on disbursements to counties and municipalities, information is available on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s website at puc.state.pa.us.
