Biz in the Valley is a monthly roundup of business happenings in the Beaver Valley and beyond. To submit an item, email csuttles00@gmail.com.
Pennsylvania’s tax on natural gas production generated nearly $180 million statewide last year, according to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission – about $100 million less than the year prior.
The decline, driven primarily by a dip in the average price of natural gas and the number of new wells in the Keystone state, follows two consecutive record-breaking years for impact fee payouts in Beaver County.
Act 13’s fee on gas wells generated a combined $1.3 million for Beaver County government and its 54 municipalities last year, including more than $548,000 for Beaver County. New Sewickley Township led Beaver County municipalities with $168,022, followed by Independence Township with $92,543 and Marion Township with $75,490.
The previous year, Beaver County received $936,634 in impact fee disbursements for a combined $2.2 million to the country and its municipalities – an all-time high. This represents a 41% decline in combined revenue from 2023 to 2024.
Impact fees are imposed in addition to regular business taxes to fund projects and improve infrastructure in places directly tied to drilling. The amount raised largely depends on the average annual price of natural gas and related market conditions.
Lawrence County will receive a combined $515,000 to county government and its municipalities this year.
“These impact fees have helped municipalities complete a variety of projects,” said state Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-8, New Beaver. “Our economy, workers, counties and municipalities are reaping the rewards.”
The PUC expects payments to be distributed in early July. This year’s distribution brings the 13-year total to more than $2.7 billion in revenue statewide.
State buys development rights to preserve Beaver County farm
Pennsylvania will purchase the development rights to roughly 2,600 acres of farmland statewide this year to protect against future residential or commercial development.
The State Agricultural Land Preservation Board approved easement purchases of more than two dozen farms, including the 84-acre crop and livestock Seth and Amy Foley Farm in Franklin Township, to “ensure Pennsylvania farmers have the resources they need to continue supporting families, communities and jobs,” said Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.
“Pennsylvania’s location – near ports, interstates, railways and 40% of the U.S. population – makes our state a great place to do business,” Redding said. “If your business is farming, that location brings fierce competition from developers willing to pay top dollar for your land. Keeping prime farmland from becoming warehouses, housing developments or parking lots is a critical investment the (Gov. Josh Shapiro) administration is making in partnership with farm families and county and local governments to feed our families, and our economy and our future.”
The Farmland Preservation Program, created in the late 1980s, has protected nearly 6,400 farms in 58 counties from future development, investing more than $1.7 billion in state, county, and local funds.
BCMAC launches Free Little Library program
The Beaver County Marcellus Awareness Community launched its first Free Little Library program at Monaca Riverfront Park in late June.
The book-sharing box, created by Tyler Tournay of Hopewell Township, was made with recycled, plastic-free materials, according to BCMAC. The free library will be open 24/7.
The program will focus on environmental education, said Hilary Starcher-O’Toole, BCMAC executive director.
“We believe that Beaver County children and youth deserve access to high-quality, age-appropriate education about the environment in order to thrive in the world they're growing up in,” she said.
Monaca Manager Dave Kramer said the borough “looks forward to supporting the youth who patronize our park and this library for years to come.”
Nonprofit Progress Thru Pages donated the first round of books to the library.
“Research shows that if a child chooses a book, they are likely to read it,” said Michele Knoll, PTP director. “The books we donated to BCMAC were chosen because they focused on nature and ecosystems, illustrating the critical inter connectivity of our natural world and the action or inaction of people.”
BCMAC is still accepting donations to buy books and construct additional Free Little Library programs throughout Beaver County at givebutter.com/freelittlelibrarymonaca.
Conway man celebrated for disability support work
Beaver County Rehabilitation Center employment specialist John Palmer, of Conway, was recognized by the Beaver County Commissioners in June for his dedication to people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
“This has been the highlight of my career and possibly my entire life,” Palmer said. “It's great to come to work each day and be a part of making other people smile.”
Palmer, who provides rehabilitation services through BCRC subsidiary WIN Services, was previously named PA Direct Support Professional of the Year at the ANCOR Connect conference in New Mexico, which focuses on aiding community-based disability support providers.
“John's recognition is wholeheartedly deserved, and his commitment and dedication to individuals and families in the Intellectual Disabilities/Autism Spectrum community is exemplified in his work daily,” said BCRC executive director Lesley Hallas.
Hallas said Palmer’s recognition further highlights the significance of direct support professionals, who are “too often overlooked and undervalued.
“John exemplifies the best in this profession, and our participants are blessed to benefit from his passion and skill,” Hallas continued.
Aim Transportation Solutions recertified as a "Most Loved Workplace"
A nationwide commercial transportation company with Pittsburgh-area locations that include Freedom earned a “Most Loved Workplace” certification for a second consecutive year.
Aim Transportation Solutions earned the certification through the Best Practice Institute, which first partnered with Newsweek in 2021 to “spotlight companies where employees are happiest and most satisfied at work.”
Criteria includes employee satisfaction, collaboration and overall workplace culture.
“As a family-owned and operated business, the idea of family is at the heart of everything we do, and we believe that when our employees are happy and engaged, they can provide the best possible service to our customers,” said Scott Fleming, president of Aim Transportation.
Chrissy Suttles is a freelance business, energy and environment reporter for the Beaver County Times and other publications. You can reach her at csuttles00@gmail.com.
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