The House amended and then passed House Bill 2690 (Weber-R-Montgomery) that would create a sewer and water project funding program to spend the $250 million approved by voters in the Primary Election. This bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

A number of amendments were added and shot down. Defeated were attempts to move the program to PennVEST, to use the funds to offset operating expenses and to increase the grant caps. Added were provisions to emphasize projects that redevelop or reuse developed land, nutrient reduction technology and language needed to float and administer the bond program.

At the same time the House Commerce Committee considered Senate Bill 1102 (Gordner-R-Columbia) establishing the same program. The Committee amended the bill to include projects designed to deal with health and environmental concerns, as well as economic development projects. This bill now moves to the full House for consideration.

Rep. Argall (R-Schuylkill), chair of the House Appropriations Committee said, “I anticipate in the coming weeks that this legislation (sewer and water funding) will be finalized to give state and local governments the ability to move forward in financing many vital water and wastewater improvements.”

6/25/2004