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IF YOU GO:

WHAT: Marcellus Shale community meeting

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday

WHERE: Sullivan County High School

LATER: Two other meetings are set for Sept. 1 and Sept. 23

The next in a series of meetings conducted by gas industry officials about drilling in the Marcellus Shale is set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Sullivan County High School Auditorium.

Lou D'Amico, executive director of Independent Oil and Gas Association of Pennsylvania, will speak prior to a question-and-answer session.

Additional meetings are to be held at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 1 at Lock Haven University and 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at an as yet undetermined site in Lycoming County.

State Rep. Garth Everett, R-Muncy, said the public meetings will provide a chance for citizens to learn about leasing of land and other issues involving gas drilling.

"As this Marcellus activity grows in our area, more people and landowners become involved and impacted," he said. "This is going to be an ongoing educational project as the development spreads into new areas over the next few years."

Everett noted that as drilling proceeds in the area, his office is receiving an increasing number of concerns and questions about it.

State Rep. Rick Mirabito, D-Williamsport, said the public will benefit by bringing together gas company officials and citizens to discuss the Marcellus Shale drilling process.

"It's good to have gas companies answering questions," he said.

According to its Web site, the association is a non-profit trade group.