NORTHERN TIER, Pa (WENY) -- Following the flood disaster in the Twin Tiers left behind by the remnants of Debby, two new bills are being proposed in Harrisburg. The legislation aims to boost the funding and freedom needed to maintain creeks and streams, and help to prevent future flooding.
"Something has to be done. This is a critical time, and people are hurting, and we know what we need to do. So now is the time to act on legislation," said Pennsylvania Representative Clint Owlett.
In the wake of two devastating flood events in three years, two new bills are being introduced in Harrisburg. The first would tackle funding for stream maintenance. Representative Clint Owlett proposed any lease and royalty payments from oil and gas production under streambeds be earmarked for stream and creek maintenance.
"We know that there needs to be significant maintenance that happens on a routine basis, and that's not happening," said Owlett. "One of the things that we often hear is resources. You know, how are we going to pay for it? And specifically, this bill comes up with a really creative way to pay for it."
Owlett said he heard concerns from residents after the flooding, which helped shape these proposals. The second bill would allow emergency work to take place within 250 feet of a bridge, rather than the 50 feet the law allows now.
"A lot of times what will happen is, in the midst of an emergency, our maintenance folks will go out and they'll get a permit that's good for 50 feet, and they're going to do the work," said Owlett. "But a lot of times they'll see things that are at 52 feet or 152 feet that need to be addressed, and they'll have to stop the work and get the appropriate permits from DEP. What we're saying is listen, in the midst of an emergency declaration, get the work done."
The bills are referred to a committee, and then have to go through the House and the Senate to be put into law. Owlett says if the bills don't get passed this session, they will be reintroduced again in January.