Apr. 27, 2021
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) has introduced legislation that would restructure the way municipalities handle stormwater management, resulting in increased efficiency and less of a burden being placed on taxpayers.
“Effective, quality, infrastructure is the foundation of our communities,” said Struzzi, who worked with Indiana Borough officials to move this legislation forward. “Unfortunately, current law ties the hands of many of our local governments when it comes to stormwater management.
“We have seen increased issues with storm water in our local communities resulting in property damage and decreased home values. This legislation is critical in allowing local governments more flexibility in addressing these key infrastructure needs.”
House Bills 1287 and
1288 would amend the Third Class Cities Code, Borough Code, First Class Township Code and Incorporated Towns Act to allow local governments to plan, design and construct storm water management systems and direct surface water runoff through municipalities. This legislation would also help municipalities across the state to better deal with the increasing number of storm water regulations imposed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Protection Agency.
This would also save money for these municipalities by allowing them to address these issues without needing to create a storm water management authority. Second-class townships already have this ability.
“When it comes to regulatory atmosphere, Pennsylvania is noted for placing hurdle after hurdle in front of progress,” added Struzzi. “This legislation will help municipalities across the state better deal with the increasing number of storm water regulations, in addition to saving money for these municipalities, many of which were struggling prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Tax dollars pay for these public projects, and taxpayers work hard for their money. We are charged with being fiscal stewards of those dollars, and my legislation helps us carry out that responsibility.”
With these bills, Struzzi is continuing the work of now-retired state Rep. Garth Everett, who introduced similar legislation in previous sessions but was not able to see them advance.
Questions about this or any state government issue should be directed to Struzzi’s Indiana district office at 1-724-465-0220.
Representative Jim Struzzi
62nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137 (office), 717.497.5967 (cell)
Slittle@pahousegop.com
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