Bill > HB991

This bill amends the First Class Township Code to provide townships with comprehensive authority to manage storm water through a series of new provisions. The bill allows township commissioners to plan, design, construct, and maintain storm water management facilities such as inlets, piping systems, retention devices, and infiltration areas. Commissioners can acquire existing storm water management systems through purchase or eminent domain, and they are required to manage storm water in compliance with the Storm Water Management Act and guidelines from the Department of Environmental Protection. The bill enables townships to enact ordinances regulating storm water management activities, including requiring approvals for earthmoving projects. Importantly, the bill introduces a mechanism for townships to assess fees to fund storm water management, with fees potentially based on a property's characteristics, particularly its impervious surface (areas like concrete, asphalt, roofs, and driveways that prevent water absorption). The fee structure allows for various assessment methods, including charging all township properties, properties benefiting from specific projects, or establishing a dedicated storm water management district. The bill also mandates that collected fees can only be used for storm water management purposes and requires townships to provide potential credits or exemptions for properties with approved storm water management facilities. The new provisions aim to improve local infrastructure's ability to handle surface water runoff and manage potential flooding or environmental impacts.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=991