Pennsylvania Counties Weigh Shale Gas Benefits vs. Infrastructure Concerns
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has been managing revenues from the Impact Fee imposed on Marcellus Shale drilling since 2011. Local officials in Washington and Greene Counties, however, express concerns about gas gathering line infrastructure potentially hindering future residential or commercial growth.
Pennsylvania, the second-largest natural gas producer in the US behind Texas, owes its success to Marcellus shale production. Both Washington and Greene Counties have played significant roles in this shale gas revolution. The first Marcellus shale gas well was drilled in Washington County in 2004.
In 2013, drilling activity was high, leading to increased revenues for local governments in both counties. These revenues, primarily from the Impact Fee, have been substantial. For instance, Greene County received roughly $6 million in 2015, significantly impacting its annual budget of around $29 million. Townships in both counties have agreements with operators to repair roads affected by construction, drilling, and hydraulic fracturing.
Despite these benefits, local officials worry that gas gathering line infrastructure might constrain future growth. Greene County, in particular, faces challenges managing impacts to bridges, roads, and quality of life issues due to Marcellus shale development. Washington County, with its higher population density and household incomes, also shares these concerns.
The Marcellus Shale drilling has brought substantial revenues to Washington and Greene Counties through the Impact Fee. However, local officials remain cautious about potential constraints on future growth due to gas gathering line infrastructure. Both counties continue to manage the impacts of shale gas development on their communities.
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