Lycoming News

The Senate Majority Policy Committee is set to visit Williamsport next week to evaluate flood mitigation strategies and state programs aimed at stream repair. This initiative is spearheaded by Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) following an invitation from Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23).

A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, March 12, from 1-3 p.m. at the Penn College Professional Development Center in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Sen. Gene Yaw highlighted the impact of severe flooding caused by Tropical Storm Debby last year, affecting nearly every county in his district. "We have an opportunity to help local officials respond more quickly and efficiently to flood-related problems by allowing them to repair and remediate our streams," Yaw stated. He emphasized the importance of proper stream maintenance in protecting communities from flood damage and expressed gratitude towards Sen. Argall and other committee members for addressing this issue.

Sen. Dave Argall noted the success of stream management efforts in communities like Pine Grove and Tremont, which faced severe floods from Swatara Creek until a comprehensive plan was implemented by conservation experts, municipal officials, local employers, state legislators, and agencies. "I look forward to hearing from our testifiers about how we can create other similarly successful efforts across Pennsylvania," Argall said.

The hearing will feature various testifiers, with additional panelists expected to join. It will be available for viewing via livestream on the Senate Majority Policy Committee’s website.

For further information, contact Jim Brugger for Argall or Elizabeth Weitzel for Yaw.