HARRISBURG -- The Commonwealth Financing Authority is now accepting applications for five programs established under the Act 13 Marcellus Legacy Fund to support conservation projects and environmental protection measures, Gov. Tom Corbett’s office announced Monday.
The new CFA programs provide $14 million in funding available for abandoned mine drainage, abatement and treatment, watershed restoration and protection, water quality data, greenways, trails and recreation, and orphan and abandoned well plugging programs in the state.
“Act 13 funding directed to the CFA will provide important resources to local governments and state regulatory agencies to address environmental impacts,” Secretary C. Alan Walker of the Department of Community and Economic Development said.
Act 13 became law Feb. 14, 2012, creating an impact fee based on wells drilled in the state. Last year, the fee generated more than $204 million, according to DCED.
Most revenues are distributed to local governments where drilling is taking place, but the remainder is going to statewide programs or distributed to counties based on population.
The $14 million in CFA funding is in addition to $10.9 million in impact fee funding for conservation and recreation programs that has already been distributed to counties, as well as $7.2 million to the state’s Growing Greener fund.
Applicants may apply immediately under the new guidelines for the Act 13 Programs through DCED’s electronic single application system. Applications will be accepted through July 31 for consideration at the Nov. 13 CFA meeting.
For more information about the Act 13 Programs, visit www.newPA.com or call (866) 466-3972.
