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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: James M. Dawes Communications Director Professional Licensure Committee |
State Rep. Mike Sturla D-Lancaster Majority Deputy Whip Chairman, Professional Licensure Committee |
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Sturla introduces Adopt-A-River legislation
HARRISBURG, Feb. 26 – State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, has introduced a bill (H.B. 328) that would establish the Adopt-A-River Program to help restore Pennsylvania’s rivers, spark interest in volunteerism and conserve natural resources.
“My Adopt-A-River program would assign each individual or group to a specific river or stream segment of their choice, if possible,” Sturla said. “The volunteers would then have to remove litter from their assigned area at least twice a year for two years. This is a great way for people to take care of their local rivers while also improving Pennsylvania’s environment.”
Under Sturla’s bill, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources would administer the Adopt-A-River Program and provide trash bags, safety information and assistance to volunteer groups. The legislation would allocate $1 million to DCNR for the program.
“The Adopt-A River Program would perfectly complement the limited Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s Adopt-A-Stream Program, which is designed to expand fish habitat, angling, boating and aesthetic values Commonwealth waters,” Sturla said.
While his bill awaits consideration by the House, Sturla urged community volunteers to help him and local organizations clean up the Conestoga River on June 9 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Sturla hosts biannual cleanups of the river. People can sign up to help by contacting Pat Coller in Sturla’s district office at 717-295-3157 or pcoller@pahouse.net.
H.B. 328 has been referred to the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
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