Patch Read of the Day: Official Calls for Regional Stormwater Task Force

A Whitemarsh Township supervisor has written an appeal to more than 30 local officials seeking their input for creating a regional Stormwater Task Force that would support Pennsylvania House Bill 1390. The bill, authored by Robert Freeman (D-136) would allow for the creation of regional stormwater management authorities with the power to levy taxes to fund the creation of stormwater projects.

“We’ve all heard of the 100-year storm,” wrote Whitemarsh Board of Supervisors chair Bob Hart in the appeal, sent to more than 30 local officials. “Unfortunately, these 100-year storms seem to be occurring on a much more frequent basis…the time has come for us in local government to help Rep. Freeman lead the charge for real solutions to our physically and financially devastating stormwater problems."

As the bill currently reads, the legislation would allow any number of local and county governments to create regional stormwater management authorities to plan and execute stormwater strategies. The bill also would grant such authorities the power to levy a "fee" on all property owners within the participating municipalities.

"The water resources management authority may levy a fee on property owners, users or consumers of the services provided by the authority to pay for all costs associated with planning, implementation, administration and enforcement under the Storm Water Management Act," the bill reads.

While Hart agreed that "fee" is synonymous with tax, he said that any potential financial impact would be less burdensome than the alternative.

"A tax would not be the first order of business. We'd go for state and federal money first…[regional authorities] can use their weight for state and federal grants," said Hart, adding that a tax would be the last resort. "It would be such a minor issue on a regional level, compared to a municipality that has to come up with $30 million."