Commonwealth Financing Authority Announces New Sewage Facilities Program and Updates Marcellus Legacy Fund Guidelines

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 20, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Commonwealth Financing Authority has begun accepting applications under the newly approved program guidelines for the Sewage Facilities Program and updated guidelines for six Act 13 Marcellus Legacy Fund programs designed to support conservation projects and environmental protection measures.

"My administration is committed to protecting the environment and growing our economy without sacrificing one for the other," Governor Tom Corbett said.  "Act 13 funding directed to the CFA will continue to provide important resources to local governments and state regulatory agencies to address environmental impacts and continue developing Marcellus Shale responsibly."

The Act 13 Marcellus Legacy Fund programs include Orphan or Abandoned Well Plugging, Watershed Restoration and Protection, Baseline Water Quality Data, Flood Mitigation, Abandoned Mine Drainage Abatement and Treatment and Greenways, Trails and Recreation programs.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) has also begun accepting applications under the Sewage Facilities program, also established by Act 13, which provides grants for Act 537 planning.

Applicants can begin applying immediately under the new guidelines for the Act 13 programs through DCED's electronic single application system. Applications are currently being accepted through July 31, 2014 for consideration at the Nov. 20, 2014 CFA meeting.

Act 13, which Corbett signed into law in 2012, imposes an impact fee on unconventional natural gas wells.

To date, the fee has generated more than $400 million that is benefiting every community in Pennsylvania. The majority of the revenues are distributed to local governments where drilling is taking place, with the remainder of the money used for statewide initiatives.

The Marcellus Legacy Fund programs are administered jointly by the Department of Community and Economic Development, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Department of Environmental Protection, under the direction of the CFA.

For more information about the Act 13 Programs, the CFA or a complete list of approved projects, visit www.newPA.com/CFA or call 1-866-466-3972.

Media contacts:
Valerie Caras, Governor's Office; 717-783-1116
Lyndsay Kensinger, DCED; 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor