N.E. Pennsylvania Benefits From Natural Gas Play

A Pennsylvania Congressman says Bradford and Tioga County municipalities are reaping the rewards of natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale Formation.

Republican Representative Matt Barker of Wellsboro released a statement recently saying the counties and municipalities are in line to collect about $22.6 million in impact fees imposed on the gas drilling companies.

Impact fee amounts are based on the market price of natural gas and the inflation rate.

Baker says Bradford and Tioga Counties are among those with the highest number of gas wells in Pennsylvania.

In addition to the revenue from the impact fees, Baker says the area has also benefited from the industry stepping in to repair local roads and the boost to local economies through crews renting and buying housing as well as shopping in local stores.