HARRISBURG - A proposed state funding switch could hurt conservation districts in Monroe and Pike counties that face additional work due to the construction of natural gas pipelines, Sen. Lisa Baker said Friday.
Ms. Baker, R-20, Lehman Twp., questioned the state environmental secretary at a Senate budget hearing this week about a proposal to shift the source of state aid for county conservation districts from the taxpayer-supported General Fund to impact fee revenue paid by gas drillers in the Marcellus Shale region.
The conservation districts in Monroe and Pike would be shortchanged under the proposal since they have a role in overseeing the pipelines yet don't receive the additional impact fee revenue that would be available if gas wells were being drilled in the counties, said Ms. Baker.
The state budget for fiscal 2013-14 proposed by Gov. Tom Corbett provides no funding for conservation districts. That aid amounted to $2.8 million this year.
The impact fee law enacted last year provides an earmark for county conservation districts that will amount to $5 million for 2012 and $7.5 million for 2013, said Michael Krancer, secretary of the state Department of Environmental Protection.
"I would argue the conservation districts will be in better shape," added Mr. Krancer. He said impact fee revenue may prove a more reliable source of funding than a state budget appropriation that is subject to cuts.
Mr. Krancer said he will look into the issue involving districts with pipeline activity.
Impact fee revenue is not meant to be a substitute for a budget appropriation, said Sen. Judy Schwank, D-11, Reading.
She said many counties are cutting aid to conservation districts and revenue from building permits that goes to the districts has declined with the economic downturn.
Mr. Krancer said the situation is improving for the building trades as the economy revives.
Contact the writer: rswift@timeshamrock.com