In the near future, I will be re-introducing HB 423 from last Session.
 
This legislation clarifies that the PA Fish and Boat Commission has no authority for permitting or enforcement related to stream clearing or maintenance activities. This authority shall belong solely to the Department of Environmental Protection and the County Conservation Districts as appropriate.
 
The ability of local government organizations to be able to maintain the streams and waterways in their area is vital to preserve the integrity of bridges and culverts, stream channels, and most importantly, to prevent flooding which can significantly damage homes and threaten lives and livelihoods.
 
Unfortunately, because of the numerous different agencies that can be involved, and the time it takes those agencies to review requests, it can be very difficult to get approval to do the necessary work. These delays and denials have real world consequences in our districts. Our local officials know the work that needs to be done to protect their citizens and their property, and it has been very frustrating for them to be prevented from doing so.
 
Please join in sponsoring this commonsense legislation.

 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0787: P.L.1375, No.325