West Central PA News

State Representative Jim Struzzi of Indiana announced today that House Bills 990 and 991 have passed the House Local Government Committee. These bills aim to authorize municipalities to manage stormwater systems and create dedicated funding without establishing separate stormwater management authorities.

Struzzi commented on the legislation, stating, “Our municipalities across the state deal with an increasing number of stormwater regulations imposed by the PA Department of Environmental Protection and Federal Environmental Protection Agency. This legislation will save money for these municipalities, many of which are struggling through these challenging times, by allowing them to manage stormwater without needing to create the bureaucracy of a separate authority.”

House Bill 990 targets third-class cities, boroughs, and incorporated towns, while House Bill 991 addresses first-class townships. Second-class townships already possess these capabilities. Struzzi further explained, “Pennsylvania averages roughly 41 inches of rainfall annually. This is great for our agriculture industry, but it can present problems for stormwater remediation. House Bills 990 and 991 provide municipalities with a cost-efficient option to deal with stormwater issues.”

Before the bills can be fully enacted, they require a second consideration in the House and a fiscal review by the House Appropriations Committee, where Struzzi serves as the Republican chair, followed by a final vote in the House.

Struzzi's announcement was made during the Local Government Committee meeting.