HARRISBURG - The state Senate on Wednesday approved a bi-partisan, eight-bill package designed to provide relief to those affected by heavy flooding caused by Tropical Storm Lee and Hurricane Irene. Legislation authored by Sens. John R. Gordner (R-Columbia), Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), John P. Blake (D-Lackawanna), Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) and John T. Yudichak (D-Luzerne) was introduced in September, shortly after the devastating floods.
The legislation approved by the Senate includes:
- Senate Bill 1264 by Baker to provide for supplemental state assistance to those who have exhausted federal flood benefits and qualify under income eligibility guidelines.
- Senate Bill 1266 by Gordner to authorize the borrowing of $150 million for flood-related highway, bridge and rail rehabilitation projects, as well as flood control and disaster mitigation projects.
- Senate Bill 1267 by Blake to provide for real estate tax abatement for properties substantially damaged by flooding.
- Senate Bill 1268 by Gordner authorizing a county-by-county list of highways damaged by the flood that require repair and rehabilitation.
- Senate Bill 1269 by Yaw authorizing a county-by-county list of bridges and rail facilities damaged by the flood that require repair and rehabilitation.
- Senate Bill 1271 by Yudichak authorizing a county-by-county list of flood control and disaster mitigation projects.
- Senate Bill 1297 by Baker establishing a low-interest loan program for small businesses damaged by flooding.
- Senate Bill 1323 by Yaw to provide interest rate assistance and loan guarantees to assist farmers in recovering from the natural disasters.
The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration, where members have introduced companion bills to the Senate package.
"We intend to get this legislative package to the Governor's desk in December, so that we can complement the federal government in providing relief that is so important to our communities," Gordner was quoted in a statement from his office.
Tropical Storm Lee eligible counties include Adams, Berks, Bradford, Bucks, Chester, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Luzerne, Lycoming, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Union, Wyoming and York.