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Governor Corbett Discusses Compensation For Communities Affected By Natural Gas Drilling

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - Governor Corbett says he's willing to discuss ways to compensate local Pennsylvania communities affected by natural gas drilling, but he remains opposed to any state-level tax on gas extraction.

Governor Corbett says the impact of gas extraction on local communities needs to be addressed in "some way, shape or form." And while he indicated a willingness to discuss impact fees on companies, he also hinted that the compensation might be voluntary, pointing to the example of some companies already rebuilding roads in the natural gas regions.

However, he was also clear the door is shut tight on a state tax for gas extraction sought by many Democrats.

"I don't want you to confuse impact fee with a tax. I don't want you to confuse impact fee with money coming to the general fund that would then be distributed across the board," said Governor Corbett.

As for local compensation, the governor says he'll wait to see what the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission has to say. That panel created by Corbett held its initial organizational meeting on Friday.

Reported by Harrisburg Bureau Chief Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio

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