Bradford County Commissioner Doug McLinko testified before a Pennsylvania State Senate Committee Wednesday on the impact the Marcellus Shale has had on his county.
Bradford County, which is adjacent to Tioga County, New York, has 25 percent of the Marcellus Shale wells drilled in Pennsylvania with about 1,400 active well permits.
McLinko said the drilling activity has brought significant economic benefits to the county; many new jobs have been created.
Gas companies have paid over $1 billion in natural gas royalties to county landowners.
Roads are being rebuilt at the expense of the gas drillers to handle increased truck traffic.
On the negative side, the drilling has caused a housing shortage, and he believes an increase in crime in the county.
