Allegany County is looking to reap new revenue from natural gas production in western Maryland.

The Cumberland Times-News reported Sunday that the Allegany Commissioners have asked their state delegates and senator to introduce legislation requiring natural-gas producers to pay a 5.5 percent local tax on the wholesale value of gas produced in the county.

The measure would mimic a tax already in place in neighboring Garrett County.

The counties hope to benefit from production of natural gas trapped in the Marcellus Shale, a vast geological formation underlying parts of Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and West Virginia.

State Sen. George Edwards says at least one company is trying to secure permits to explore for natural gas in western Allegany County.