Both the Senate and House took action on legislation outlining how to spend the $250 million approved by voters for water and sewer projects. In both chambers there is a debate over whether to limit the funding to economic development projects as the Rendell Administration has proposed or to open funding to all projects.

The Senate passed Senate Bill 1102 (Gordner-R-Columbia) after amending the bill to have the new Commonwealth Financing Authority created to implement the Governor’s economic stimulus package run this program as well, rather than the Department of Community and Economic Development. The bill now moves to the House.

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee approved House Bill 2690 (Weber-R-Montgomery) after amending the bill to include tighter provisions requiring projects to comply with local comprehensive plans and allowing projects that rehabilitate and upgrade existing water and sewage systems. A final vote on this bill is expected in the full House this week.

There was lots of discussion about not limiting the bill to just economic development projects and future amendments are expected on the issue of preventing sprawl from Republican and Democratic members.

In addition to these actions, general discussions between the four Caucuses and the Governor’s Office continue to arrive at a compromise bill on implementing the bond issue as these potential vehicles move.

NewsClip: Lawmakers Look at Allocating Funds for Water, Sewer Bond

6/18/2004