Although no drilling is taking place in Lehigh County, the county will still benefit from a significant amount of the more than $225 million being distributed statewide from impact fees placed on natural gas drilling companies operating within the state, said Rep. Julie Harhart (R183rd).

Under Act 13 of 2012, impact fees are imposed on the extraction of natural gas with the amount fluctuating depending on the price of natural gas and the rate of inflation.

According to the figures provided this week by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Lehigh County will receive a total of $340,418.70 from the Marcellus Legacy Fund.

Under the law, 60 percent of the money collected goes to counties and municipalities impacted by drilling for a variety of services, including infrastructure, emergency services, social services, training, planning, water protections and housing.

The remaining 40 percent is deposited into the Marcellus Legacy Fund, of which 15 percent is specifically designated for environmental protection initiatives, including planning, acquisition, development rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, natural areas, community conservation and beautification projects, community and heritage parks, and water resource management.

"The money being received by the county will go a long way in addressing environmental concerns, as well as being able to be used for water and sewer projects, road infrastructure and emergency response efforts," said Harhart. "It is good to know the success of the natural gas industry is not only creating job opportunities across the state, but is also supplying needed revenue to our communities."

Harhart said since the impact fee was enacted in 2012, more than $630 million has been distributed statewide.