Harry Campbell, PA Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, issued this statement Wednesday urging Gov. Corbett to sign Senate Bill 351 (Erickson-R-Delaware) into law--

“Stormwater runoff is one of the largest sources of pollution to Pennsylvania rivers and streams, including those rivers and streams that drain to the Chesapeake Bay. As we are reminded during severe storm events like Tropical Storm Lee and the heavy localized downpours this spring, the Susquehanna River Basin is one of the most flood prone river systems in the United States and affects hundreds of thousands of residents and their property.

“Senate Bill 351 clarifies that municipalities can create stormwater authorities to deal with these critical issues. After passing both the Senate and the House, Senate Bill 351 is waiting to be signed into law by the Governor. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) urges the Governor to do just that.

"Municipalities are tasked with the difficult job of correcting local stormwater issues in order to protect human health and welfare while improving the quality of our rivers and streams. This bill gives them a vital tool towards developing new and sustainable programs to address stormwater pollution and flooding.

“Pennsylvania communities are struggling to find ways to deal with our aging and often poorly maintained stormwater infrastructure, as well as be able to develop new and creative ways to deal with stormwater pollution. This bill allows local governments to become empowered to handle local stormwater needs by specifically allowing communities dealing with such challenges a means to generate the necessary funding to improve and maintain stormwater infrastructure, thereby addressing local flooding and property damage.

“Pennsylvania has made significant commitments to control the water quality impacts of stormwater in its plan to meet Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint requirements. This Blueprint to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment from our local waterways is essential if we hope to improve the waters of the Commonwealth and meet requirements to clean up the Bay. These efforts will not be possible without the ability of municipalities to make stormwater management improvements.

“CBF urges the Governor to empower local governments with the ability to form stormwater authorities and sign Senate Bill 351 into law.”

A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.

7/8/2013