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VESTAL, N.Y. -- As the debate over hydrofracking continues, some Southern Tier residents gathered to learn more about the drilling method.

The Vestal Landowners Coalition hosted a meeting Wednesday night at Clayton Avenue Elementary School to cover the benefits of hydrofracking.

Some members of the Bradford County community, where drilling is already taking place, talked about the influx of jobs and money in the area.

The superintendent of the Elk Lake School District in Dimock was among the presenters. He says more than $2 million has been generated for the district by the industry, which leases 180 acres from Elk Lake. In addition, the school has also benefited from construction near the well sites.

"They put an access road to the gas pad. We have been able to use that as an alternate transportation route for parents dropping students off. It's made for a much safer situation at the school," said Elk Lake Superintendent Dr. William Bush.

Also discussed at the meeting was the ad valorem tax, which taxes production of each well. The money generated from that tax is divided between the municipality, county and school district in which the well is located.