Bernstine Announces Butler, Lawrence Counties Receiving Funding from Natural Gas Drilling Impact Fees

June 25, 2025

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced that communities in the 8th Legislative District in Butler and Lawrence counties will receive nearly $894,000 in Marcellus Shale impact fees.

“These impact fees are a direct investment in our communities, helping to build stronger roads, cleaner water systems and safer neighborhoods,” said Bernstine. “The natural gas industry continues to be a key driver for local progress and opportunity.”

The following impact fee revenue amounts were announced by the state Public Utility Commission (PUC) for Butler and Lawrence counties and eligible municipalities that are part of the 8th District.

Butler County:
• Brady Township - $10,042.
• Center Township - $104,402.
• Clay Township - $32,021.
• Connoquenessing Borough - $10,711.
• Connoquenessing Township - $157,282.
• Forward Township - $147,045.
• Franklin Township - $28,856.
• Lancaster Township - $91,013.
• Middlesex Township - $80,543.
• Muddy Creek Township - $46,896.
• Penn Township - $98,763.
• Portersville Borough - $1,419.
• Prospect Borough - $5,209.
• West Liberty Borough - $3,796.
• West Sunbury Borough - $729.
• Worth Township - $22,320.

In addition to the municipal funding, Butler County will receive more than $1.6 million from the impact fees.

Lawrence County:
• Ellport Borough - $1,245.
• Ellwood City Borough - $6,618.
• Enon Valley Borough – $325.
• Little Beaver Township - $15,150.
• New Beaver Borough - $2,391.
• Perry Township - $10,460.
• Plain Grove Township - $2,141.
• Scott Township - $3,031.
• Slippery Rock Township - $5,315.
• Wayne Township - $3,508.
• Wampum Borough - $648.
• Washington Township - $1,730.

In addition to the municipal funding, Lawrence County will receive more than $198,000 from the impact fees.

Under Act 13 of 2012, impact fees are collected from the drilling companies with 60% returned to counties and municipalities affected by drilling. The rest of the money goes into a Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund, a portion of which is provided to counties. The remaining funds are used by the state for emergency response planning, training and other activities; water, storm water, and sewer system construction and repair; infrastructure maintenance and repair; as well as statewide environmental initiatives.

Checks to municipalities are expected to be distributed in early July.

Representative Aaron Bernstine
8th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
Rleiner@pahousegop.com
RepBernstine.com