Senate Approves Erickson's Stormwater Management Bill

Harrisburg – The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26) providing municipal authorities with the ability to engage in stormwater management planning and projects.

Senate Bill 1261 amends the state Municipality Authorities Act to add stormwater management planning and projects to the purposes and powers of municipal authorities. Municipal authorities currently have the power to oversee sewer systems, water distribution systems, airports, parking spaces, industrial development projects and more.

"As we've seen in the serious flooding to hit Pennsylvania in the past year, communities need the proper tools for stormwater management and flood prevention. This statutory basis for creating regional stormwater authorities is one of those tools," said Erickson.

While Senate Bill 1261 provides municipal authorities with the ability to engage in stormwater management planning and projects across municipal boundaries in watersheds, they are not mandated to do so.

In November, the Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Senator Erickson, held two days of joint public hearings with the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on flood mitigation and stormwater management.

"The Senate passed a package of bills last year to provide relief in the wake of flooding caused by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee," said Erickson. "Ultimately, however, flood prevention through stormwater management is much less costly in financial and human terms than flood recovery."

Senate Bill 1261 will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Contact:

Michele Hansarick
717-787-1350

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Senate Approves Erickson's Stormwater Management Bill