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My Latest Op-Ed: Stream Cleaning Bills Could Be the Key to Flood Prevention

Last month, nearly every county in my district was impacted by severe flooding from Tropical Storm Debby. Towns were evacuated and residents had to be rescued as flood waters engulfed homes, farms and roads. In the days following, teams of volunteers surveyed the damage and disaster relief organizations mobilized to help.

As elected officials, we are responsible for putting forth policies that protect the constituents we serve and help local officials respond more quickly and efficiently to emerging problems. This includes changes to ensure better maintenance of creeks and streams to help minimize the impact of flooding.

Late last year, the Senate passed two bills I sponsored addressing stream maintenance and giving counties and municipalities greater flexibility in handling obstructions and flood-related hazards in local waterways.

Read more HERE.

On the Road…

I was pleased to join Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll, District 3 Executive Eric High and county and local leaders for the official reopening of Route 14 in Trout Run.

PennDOT worked with contractors to create a connector from the U.S. 15 ramp onto S.R. 14 in Trout Run to Lycoming Creek Road, allowing for direct and through-access to and from S.R. 14. PennDOT expects a complete reconstruction of the bridge within one year and is working with county and local officials on the design.

I had a great afternoon last week at the Sullivan County Fair! Congratulations to this year’s Friend of the Fair Award winners, Jim and Barb Warburton and Nadine Molynieux. Barb also took home the Grand Champion Heifer Calf award.

A special congratulations to Eloise Caseman, the Chili cookoff winner! I had the opportunity to taste and judge her award-winning recipe. It was great to see so many familiar faces and visit with attendees.

Earlier this week, Energy Transfer donated a Ford F-250 from their fleet to the Athens Twp. Volunteer Fire Co. and Chief Bryan Farr. The truck will aid in the department’s emergency response efforts in Bradford County.

Rep. Pickett and I were pleased to attend as the keys were officially handed over. Thank you to Energy Transfer for your immense generosity!

I was pleased to co-host the Lycoming County America250PA reception with Rep. Flick last week. We had a great evening connecting with community members and local officials on how our region can engage in efforts to commemorate the 250^th anniversary of the founding of the United States and Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event.

Save the Date!

Rep. Joe Hamm and I will host our annual FREE Senior Expo on September 19^th at Community Baptist Church.

This event includes door prizes, health screenings, and refreshments. Over 75 exhibitors from government agencies and non-profit organizations will be on hand! We encourage all seniors and their caretakers to come gather information and take advantage of these essential services.

Around the Capitol…

This exhibit honoring former Speaker of the House Kenneth B. Lee of Sullivan County is currently on display in the Capitol Complex’s Irvis Office Building in Harrisburg.

Funding Opportunities…

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) announced the opening of the new $20 million Main Street Matters program to support main streets, downtowns business districts, small businesses and local communities across Pennsylvania. Funding is available for community revitalization efforts in planning, business support, aesthetic improvements, and increased safety and security. Applications will be accepted through November 15, 2024.

The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) has announced the opening of the 2024 Susquehanna Greenway Mini-Grant Program. The Mini-Grant Program aims to support the advancement of regional outdoor recreation, conservation, trail projects and programs within the Susquehanna Greenway. More information on eligibility and applications can be found HERE. The application window will close at 4:59 p.m. October 25.

Valley Energy 80^th Anniversary Celebration

Valley Energy, Inc., a natural gas distribution company, recently celebrated its 80^th anniversary. Nick Troutman, Chief of Staff, was on hand to recognize the occasion with a celebratory Senate Citation.

Valley supplies natural gas to approximately 9,500 residential, commercial and industrial customers throughout Bradford County and portions of New York. Congratulations!

Upcoming Williamsport Vet Center Annual Picnic

A Closer Look at Efforts to Improve Water Quality

Senate Republicans have led efforts in Pennsylvania to ensure access to clean water now, and to preserve this critical resource for future generations. Supporting clean water in Pennsylvania communities benefits our downstream neighbors as well.

This year’s state budget includes $50 million in recurring funding for the Clean Streams Fund, which helps farmers reduce sediment in waterways through the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program. Originally spearheaded by Sen. Scott Martin, Sen. Dan Laughlin and I, the program has supported more than 700 projects to reduce sediment in waterways throughout the state.

Because of the initiative, water quality has improved in Pennsylvania and downstream. In fact, the Chesapeake Bay recently earned its best rating in more than 20 years in the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science Chesapeake Bay Report Card.

See what else Senate Republicans are doing to make Pennsylvania a great place to live and work here.

Supporting Services in Our Local Communities

Providing Pennsylvanians increased access to important health care and emergency services from birth to older age was a key priority of Senate Republicans as we worked to implement the 2024-25 state budget.

I am pleased that, because of our efforts, neonatal and obstetric services provided through the Medical Assistance Program are receiving an additional $7 million to help support mothers and their babies. In addition, the enacted budget also includes a $134 million increase for nursing home facilities.

To benefit people of all ages, an additional $20 million was dedicated to emergency medical services (EMS) rates. Quality and reliable health care must reach every corner of our commonwealth, which is why we worked to ensure the final budget agreement also included a $10 million supplemental payment for rural hospitals and $17.5 million for rural health redesign and distressed hospitals.

We believe in the promise of Pennsylvania and strengthening our local communities through these substantial investments.   

Recognizing Bravery and Sacrifice on Patriot Day

On Wednesday, we recognize the innocent lives lost 23 years ago when our country was brutally attacked in New York, Virginia and right here in Pennsylvania. With heavy hearts, we remember the bravery and sacrifices of emergency responders.

Let us also remember the surge of patriotism. It was a unifier unlike anything else most of us had experienced. People focused less on what could divide us and more on what we had in common. Perhaps the best way to honor those who lost their lives is to resurrect that spirit.

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