WILLIAMSPORT – Local officials and conservation experts shared their perspectives on how maintaining and repairing streams prevents flooding from wreaking havoc on homes and employers during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee hosted by Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) and chaired by Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) today.
Much of the discussion focused on proven strategies to prevent flooding including developing and protecting wetlands, providing access to floodplains, and stabilizing streambanks, as well as strategies like dredging gravel which can do more harm than good. Funding sources like the Growing Greener program were also reviewed in detail.
The need for more flexibility for local and county governments to address emergency situations quickly in flood-prone areas was also discussed. Permitting delays were cited as a significant roadblock to removing obstructions and other flood-related hazards, with Yaw calling the process “lengthy, tedious, and inefficient.”
“Last year, nearly every county in my district was impacted by severe flooding from Tropical Storm Debby,” Yaw said. “We have an opportunity to help local officials respond more quickly and efficiently to flood-related problems by allowing them to repair and remediate our streams. Proper stream maintenance protects our communities from flood damage, and I appreciate Sen. Argall and my fellow Policy Committee members for taking on this issue.”
“Any community that has experienced the devastation caused by severe floods will tell you how important it is to plan ahead before the next storm hits,” said Argall. “We’ve seen how effective stream management can make a world of difference in communities like Pine Grove and Tremont, who experienced devastating floods from the Swatara Creek for years until a team of conservation experts, municipal officials, local employers, and state legislators and agencies created and executed a comprehensive plan to repair the local watershed.
“I was pleased to hear that the Growing Greener program, which I sponsored when it was first created, has made a significant impact, but it’s clear that we need to consider updates and further investments.”
Yaw will soon reintroduce a package of bills to empower counties, local governments, and conservation districts to promptly act to ensure damaged waterways do not harm nearby communities. Last session, these bills were introduced as Senate Bill 689 and Senate Bill 690. Both bills were approved with bipartisan support in the Senate but were not considered by the House of Representatives.
State Reps. Jamie Flick (R-83) and Joe Hamm (R-84), who represent the areas affected by Tropical Storm Debby with Yaw, also participated in the public hearing. Video of the full event and written testimony can be found here.
CONTACT: Jim Brugger (Argall)
Elizabeth Weitzel (Yaw)