Feb. 09, 2022
HARRISBURG – A concurrent resolution to extend the governor’s disaster emergency declaration related to the recent bridge collapse in Pittsburgh, sponsored by Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), was unanimously adopted by the House of Representatives today.
House Resolution 173 now moves to the Senate for consideration.
“The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, which I chair, adopted my resolution on Monday,” said Boback. “The committee’s role is to act quickly on such important legislation, and that is exactly what we did. I am pleased my House colleagues did the same today. We urge the Senate to follow suit, so the bridge replacement project can move forward without interruption.”
The Forbes Avenue/Fern Hollow Bridge collapsed on Jan. 28., which led Gov. Tom Wolf to declare a disaster emergency. The declaration, which is set to expire on Feb. 18, helps to ensure the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is eligible to receive emergency relief funding from the Federal Highway Administration. Boback’s resolution would extend the disaster emergency declaration until March 31.
Under a constitutional amendment adopted by the Commonwealth’s voters last year, a governor’s disaster emergency declaration cannot exceed 21 days without the authorization of the General Assembly.
Representative Karen Boback
117th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717-260-6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
RepBoback.com