More than $3.7 million in impact fees paid by Marcellus Shale drilling companies will benefit residents of the 60th District — including more than $2 million for Butler County — either through direct disbursements to municipalities or to the counties, state Rep. Jeff Pyle, R-60th, announced Thursday.

Natural gas producers paid more than $200 million in impact fees statewide last year for a total of more than $1.9 billion over the past nine years. Three counties within the 60th District will receive disbursements resulting from the impact fees. Butler County municipalities will receive $276,114, while Armstrong County municipalities will get $623,955 and Indiana County municipalities will receive $12,977. Additionally, the counties will receive proceeds through the Marcellus Legacy Fund, which is designed to be used for environmental, highway, water and sewer projects, rehabilitation of greenways and other projects. Butler County will be given $2.1 million, while Armstrong County will get $520,479 and Indiana County will receive $156,325.

“These awards clearly show the industry is contributing to the communities to lessen the impacts created by drilling,” Pyle said.

This year’s distribution is about $42.6 million lower than last year due primarily to a drop in the average price of natural gas, according to the Public Utility Commission, which collects the fees. Checks to municipalities are expected to be sent out in July.