A Pennsylvania House panel has moved a bill forward to make the state government pay municipal stormwater fees to help local governments manage pollution costs.
Pennsylvania Bill Aims to Make State Government Pay Unpaid Municipal Stormwater Fees
According to the published article of Audacy, a Pennsylvania House panel has moved forward with a bill requiring the state government to pay municipal stormwater fees, which it has not been doing. This has cost local governments millions of dollars. The bill, co-sponsored by State Rep. Justin Fleming (D., Dauphin), seeks to make all landowners, including those exempt from taxes, share the cost of managing runoff and pollution. Local governments need this money to pay for stormwater systems and avoid fines.
In Harrisburg, Capital Region Water loses almost $387,000 each year because the state does not pay stormwater fees for its large areas of pavement and buildings. This unpaid amount has grown to over $1.4 million. Unlike the state, other government bodies like the city, county, and federal government do pay these fees. The bill aims to address the frustration of municipalities that are forced to follow stormwater rules without enough help from the state.
READ ALSO: 41,000 Migrants Welcomed: Denver Approves $4 Million Deal To Provide Safe Housing For Newcomer Families!
$1.4 Million in Overdue Stormwater Fees: Pennsylvania Bill Seeks to End State’s Refusal to Pay – Check It Out! (PHOTO: Audacy)
State Supreme Court Case Could Impact Stormwater Fees for State-Owned Properties
Furthermore, a case in the state Supreme Court might change things further. A lower court said state-owned properties like West Chester University do not have to pay stormwater fees, calling them taxes instead. If this ruling stands, many local governments might struggle even more to meet stormwater rules and might need to raise property taxes. Groups like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation believe everyone should pay these fees to help keep water clean and reduce pollution.
READ ALSO: $38 Million Settlement: Lyft Company Agrees To Pay Out To New York Drivers For Alleged Unlawful Deductions Of Sales Tax And Fees
