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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep. Bob Freeman D-Northampton www.pahouse.com/freeman
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Freeman bill to improve storm water management approved by committee
HARRISBURG, Dec. 15 – The state House Local Government Committee today approved H.B. 1390, sponsored by state Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton, that would provide for more comprehensive storm water planning to help better manage storm water runoff and flooding across the Commonwealth.
Freeman, chairman of the committee, said current law does not sufficiently address the needs of storm water management in the Commonwealth. Additional provisions are needed to provide a more comprehensive approach that is watershed based, addresses long standing remedial problems, and provides local governments with more authority to implement storm water plans. The legislation would also permit the establishment of integrated water resources plans.
"Storm water problems have increased over the years, particularly in high growth areas where increased sprawl development creates more impervious surfaces, paves over natural absorption areas, and results in more frequent and intensive flooding," Freeman observed. "The current Storm Water Act, Act 167 of 1978, has proven to be woefully inadequate at addressing storm water management needs."
Freeman said his bill would address some of the limitations in the current law. In addition to providing more comprehensive storm water planning and management, the measure would help to restore, protect and maintain water quality and quantity in the Commonwealth. It would also enable municipalities and counties to work together to implement integrated water resources management plans within the watershed. Additionally, it would allow for the creation of water resources management authorities to better regulate, manage, operate and maintain facilities and storm water infrastructure that can effectively deal with storm water runoff or water resources within the watershed.
"This legislation will also seek to address current and past storm water problems" Freeman said. "It will provide for the preparation and implementation of remedial plans which will help provide some relief for current and past problems.
"Poorly managed storm water leads to severe flooding that causes millions of dollars in property damage and extensive environmental degradation. We need to develop and implement comprehensive storm water plans to reduce flooding and to ensure the protection of the Commonwealth’s water resources. In order to do this, we must take a regional and integrated approach to dealing with storm water. Storm water runoff does not follow municipal boundaries. A localized or fragmented approach will never solve this ongoing problem. It takes cooperation and a comprehensive regional perspective to best manage storm water run-off."
Under H.B. 1390, counties would not have to develop comprehensive storm water plans until state funding is made available to assist in the development of those plans.
H.B. 1390 now goes before the full House for consideration.
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