Public meetings scheduled on possible uses of gas impact fee proceeds
The Fayette County Office of Planning Zoning Community Development will host six public meetings throughout the county to seek public comment on how best to use the anticipated money generated through Act 13 natural gas impact fee.
In April, the county commissioners passed a resolution to impose an unconventional gas well fee on each unconventional gas well spud in the county. The commissioners were able to do so based on Act 13, a state law that allows for the collection of the fee.
The amount generated depends on the number of gas wells drilled and the price of natural gas. Act 13 specifies the permitted uses by the county and municipalities for the impact fee which are under the following categories: Road, bridges and public infrastructure; water, storm water and sewer; emergency preparedness and public safety; environmental and recreational programs, including conservation districts, open space and agricultural preservation; preservation and reclamation of water supplies; tax reductions, including homestead exclusion; availability of safe and affordable housing; records management and information technology; delivery of social services; judicial services; deposit into capital reserve for use on permitted projects; career and technology centers for training related to the oil and gas industries; local or regional planning initiatives under the Municipal Planning Code.
The public meetings, which will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m., are as follows:
n Wharton Township Municipal Building, Thursday
n Perry Township Municipal Building, Monday, Sept. 10
n Redstone Township Recreation Center, Wednesday, Sept. 12
n Nicholson Township Municipal Building, Wednesday, Sept. 19
n Public Service Building in Uniontown, Thursday, Sept. 27
n Bullskin Township Municipal Building, date to be announced
According to Commissioner Angela M. Zimmerlink, comments at the public meetings are limited to the subject matter — suggestions on how to best use the impact fee money and not on oil and gas zoning issues or other drilling issues in general.
The commissioners ask for public participation and will take into consideration these comments before publicly voting on the uses of the monies, Zimmerlink added.
In addition, the county office will set a date to meet with various stakeholders to receive their suggestions as well, she said.