The House Democratic Policy Committee held a public hearing Monday to listen to local officials and experts about sewage line maintenance issues at the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, according to Policy Chairman Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster).

Rep. Harry Readshaw (D-Allegheny) requested the hearing and served as co-chairman. Readshaw has introduced House Bill 703 that would allow municipalities to include private lateral rehabilitation or replacement in Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority funding applications. He also introduced House Bill 704 that would allow municipalities to use public funds for the improvement, extension, repair or rehabilitation of private lateral sewage lines connected to public sewer systems.

"I thank Rep. Readshaw for calling for this important hearing, so the Policy Committee can further study the issues surrounding sewage line maintenance," Rep. Sturla said. "Aging infrastructure issues are a concern for all urban areas all over Pennsylvania."

Rep. Readshaw added, "A major cause of wet weather overflows relates to deteriorating private lateral sewage lines draining into the public sewer system, so my legislation would help combat this problem. Today's hearing featured compelling testimony and the General Assembly must do more to help our municipalities out in this area."

Those testifying at the hearing included: James Good, interim executive director, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority; Dan McClain, treasurer, Girty's Run Joint Sewer Authority; John Brosious, deputy director, Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association; Jennifer Sample, capital budget manager, Mayor's Office of Management and Budget, City of Pittsburgh; Patrick Hassett, assistant director of Bureau of Transportation and Engineering, Department of Public Works; and John Schombert, executive director, 3 Rivers Wet Weather.

Hearing testimony will be available on the House Democratic Policy Committee website.

NewsClip: Bills To Allow Private Sewer Repairs Gets Hearing

3/31/2014