CLINTON TWP — The township supervisors have agreed to allow PennEnergy to drill for natural gas on township property.

The motion for the drilling passed 2-1 Tuesday night with Mary Zacherl and Jim Halstead voting yes and Ed Boyd voting no.

PennEnergy of Pittsburgh was one of two companies to bid. It offered $3,500 per acre for 5 years with 15 percent post production royalties with a 5 year extension at $5,000 per acre.

PennEnergy will be allowed to do nonsurface drilling on 82 acres in Spring Valley Park and on 13 acres around the township building and equipment grounds.

Huntley and Huntley of Monroeville also placed a bid, offering $5,005 per acre for 7 years with 18 percent post production royalties with a 7 year extension at $5,005 per acre.

Of the decision to pick PennEnergy, Halstead said, “You almost have to go with your gut.”

He said the choice was difficult and one consideration was which company was most likely to drill.