West Central PA News

Dec 13 2023

HARRISBURG – State Representative Jim Struzzi, a Republican from Indiana, has successfully advanced a pair of infrastructure bills through the House Local Government Committee with overwhelming bipartisan support. The bills, House Bills 31 and 32, aim to address the challenges posed by stormwater management in municipalities.

Struzzi emphasized the importance of stormwater management, stating, "Stormwater management is one of the most difficult issues for municipalities to confront because of the damage it can inflict." He further explained that the bills would authorize municipalities to plan, design, and construct stormwater management systems, as well as direct surface water runoff through municipalities. Additionally, the bills would create a dedicated funds system to finance these projects.

House Bill 31 focuses on boroughs, incorporated towns, and third-class cities and has received support from both the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs and the Pennsylvania Municipal League. On the other hand, House Bill 32 is intended to empower first-class townships and has garnered favorable views from the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners.

The need for this legislation was brought to Struzzi's attention during a meeting with Indiana Borough officials. Struzzi explained, "Stormwater management is essential to public safety and protecting community assets and infrastructure. Many local governments are already asked to do this, but without any help, or they are not permitted to do so. This legislation will empower them to make more decisions at the local level to help their own communities."

Struzzi further emphasized the unpredictable nature of water and its potential to cause significant damage to bridges and roads. He likened stormwater management to insurance, stating, "It’s a form of insurance… something you have to prepare for and hope you never use."

The bipartisan support for Struzzi's legislation is a positive indication of the commitment to address the challenges posed by stormwater management. The bills' advancement in the committee highlights the recognition of the importance of protecting community assets and infrastructure.

For any inquiries regarding this legislation or any other legislative issue, individuals are encouraged to contact Struzzi's Indiana district office at 724-465-0220.

Representative Jim Struzzi62nd Legislative DistrictPennsylvania House of RepresentativesMedia Contact: Scott Little717.260.6137 (office), 717.497.5937 (cell)Slittle@pahousegop.comRepStruzzi.com / Facebook.com/RepStruzzi

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.repstruzzi.com/News/33283/Latest-News/Bipartisan-Support-Helps-Struzzi-Stormwater-Legislation-Flow-Through-Committee