Kerwin Announces More Than $190,000 to Benefit Residents

June 24, 2025

HARRISBURG – Rep. Joe Kerwin (R-Dauphin) announced more than $190,000 in impact fees paid by Marcellus Shale drilling companies will benefit residents in the 125th District. All the money is going directly to Dauphin County.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) reports that the distribution of $164.5 million from the 2024 reporting year is $15 million lower than last year’s total due to a decrease in new wells and a similar average natural gas price.

“Impact fees from the natural gas industry provide critical funding for Dauphin County, playing a significant role in supporting local infrastructure, emergency services and community development projects that boost quality of life,” said Kerwin. “I am grateful to see this funding come back to our communities. When opportunities arise to help my constituents, it’s important to capitalize on every chance to do so.”

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.