CITIZEN POWER ALLIANCE

Susquehanna County, Pa.'s local governments are not reaping widespread economic benefits -- or incurring significant extra costs -- as a result of Marcellus Shale drilling, according to a Penn State University study released this week.

Researchers collected financial data from 15 municipalities in Susquehanna County and another 26 in Washington County -- a heavily-drilled area in southwest Pennsylvania -- and interviewed local officials as part of the study.

"We did hear from many of the local officials in Susquehanna County who said that they're not seeing additional revenues so far," said Timothy Kelsey, a professor of agricultural economics who worked on the study.

The primary revenue stream for Pennsylvania municipalities is an income tax that only applies to residents.

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