The Butler County commissioners on Wednesday eliminated any doubt as to where the natural gas drilling impact fee revenue goes.

The commissioners set a policy prioritizing uses for the money that is allocated by the state Public Utility Commission to the county.

“It gives us some guidelines moving forward,” said Commissioner Leslie Osche, board chairman.

For 2016, the county received nearly $1.8 million from fees assessed to drillers last year.

Per impact fee regulations, counties and municipalities may use the revenue in various ways.

The funding typically is used for infrastructure projects and public safety/ emergency preparedness.

Under the county policy, 40 percent of the allocation, or no less than $750,000, funds the operations or service debt of county emergency services.

Of any remaining funds, another 15 percent of the allocation, or no less than $250,000, funds technological or other capital improvements.

The next priority is the proposed county infrastructure bank, which would allot grants and loans for municipal projects.

The infrastructure bank receives 35 percent, or no less than $200,000, of the total allocation.

After the three priorities are met, any remaining funds would be distributed at the commissioners’ discretion.