The Senate Local Government Committee is scheduled to meet on March 13 to consider Senate Bill 351 (Erickson-R-Delaware) authorizing the formation of stormwater management municipal authorities.

In announcing the bill, Sen. Erickson said local governments in Pennsylvania are seeking tools to help them respond to the escalating costs of stormwater management to address regulatory requirements and flooding problems. 

Senate Bill 351 would amend Title 53 to expressly enable the creation of stormwater authorities.  Stormwater authorities would help create a stable source of funding for municipal stormwater management planning and projects. 

These authorities could also provide incentives for private stormwater management that would reduce costs to local governments and taxpayers.  Several municipalities in Pennsylvania that have considered creating stormwater authorities have been reluctant to do so in the absence of express authorization by the General Assembly.  This legislation would expressly provide that authorization.

The meeting will be held in Room 8E-A East Wing at 10:00.

Rep. Kate Harper (R-Montgomery) has introduced a companion bill in the House-- House Bill 821.

Sen. John Eichelberger (R-Blair) serves as Majority Chair and Sen. Rob Teplitz (D-Dauphin) serves as Minority Chair.

3/11/2013