Lycoming News

State Senator Gene Yaw has announced plans to reintroduce a legislative package aimed at improving stream maintenance and providing counties and municipalities with more flexibility in managing obstructions and flood-related hazards. The initiative comes after severe flooding from Tropical Storm Debby affected nearly every county in Yaw’s district last year.

Yaw, who chairs the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, highlighted the inefficiencies of the current permitting process required by Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection for stream cleaning. He emphasized the importance of local management for effective flood prevention, stating, “Proper stream maintenance protects people, land and bridges from flood damage. The need is immediate, and our local officials are in the best position to manage and maintain our streams. Eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic barriers and red tape can help prevent more widespread damage and destruction.”

The proposed legislation includes two bills. The first would allow local governments to apply for permits enabling continuous stream maintenance for at least ten years within their jurisdictions. The second bill proposes a program that allows counties to opt-in for emergency maintenance permits to address hazards in consultation with their county conservation district.

Previously, these measures received bipartisan support in the Senate but were not voted on by the House's Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

For further details or state-related news, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website or follow him on social media platforms.