Dec. 13, 2023
HARRISBURG – The power and unpredictability of water are among the reasons state Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) authored a pair of infrastructure bills which were advanced today thanks to overwhelming bipartisan support.
“Stormwater management is one of the most difficult issues for municipalities to confront because of the damage it can inflict,” said Struzzi. “It is also a sensitive topic to discuss but one we can’t avoid, which is why I’m glad the House Local Government Committee acted as it did.
Moved out of committee Wednesday were
House Bills 31 and
32, which would authorize municipalities to plan, design and construct stormwater management systems, direct surface water runoff through municipalities and create a dedicated funds system to pay for the projects. House Bill 31, which is supported by both the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs and the Pennsylvania Municipal League, deals with boroughs, incorporated towns and third-class cities while House Bill 32 would empower first-class townships and is viewed favorably by the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners.
“These issues and the need for appropriate legislation were brought to my attention during a meeting with Indiana Borough officials,” Struzzi added. “Stormwater management is essential to public safety and protecting community assets and infrastructure. Many local governments are already asked to do this, but without any help, or they are not permitted to do so. This legislation will empower them to make more decisions at the local level to help their own communities.
“Weather forecasts are easy. Water forecasts are not, and it’s nothing for a significant amount of rain or melting snow to challenge the integrity of a bridge or a road. It’s a form of insurance… something you have to prepare for and hope you never use,” commented Struzzi.
Questions about this or any legislative issue should be directed to Struzzi’s Indiana district office at 724-465-0220.