EDITOR’S NOTE: The grants impacting Millcreek Township were also announced by Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie).
The impact fee on unconventional natural gas wells will deliver more than $321,000 through Pennsylvania’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program to benefit two Erie County communities, according to Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49).
“I have always maintained the importance of a diverse energy portfolio in Pennsylvania, and natural gas has been a major component of positive energy policy for our commonwealth,” said Laughlin. “Not only does this fuel source deliver us the energy we need, but it also generates vital funding for projects throughout the state, and I’m glad communities in Erie County are benefitting from that funding.”
The following grants were approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority:
- $158,346 for Millcreek Township to acquire the Lakewood Park property to protect the park space from private development and provide the community with walkable access to a neighborhood park that receives thousands of visitors annually.
- $125,000 for Mill Village Borough to develop a vacant lot into a Mill Village Green/Community Park which will be the community’s first and only recreation park.
- $38,208 for the Erie County Conservation District to transform a vacant lot into a small, accessible park for the public in Millcreek Township.
Impact fees are levied in addition to regular business taxes paid by every corporation in Pennsylvania. The disbursements were based on a formula established in Act 13 of 2012 to ensure communities affected by drilling receive their fair share of funding, authorized by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through various state programs, for projects such as road and bridge repairs, housing and other infrastructure needs.
For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Laughlin’s website at www.senatorlaughlin.com or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @senatorlaughlin.
