House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

Posted:	November 22, 2019 03:44 PM
From:	Representative Tina M. Davis
To:	All House members
Subject:	Legislation Providing for Transparency in the Purchase of Wetlands

Whether you live on the shores of Lake Erie, the banks of one of the Three Rivers, along the Susquehanna River, or beside the Delaware River, waterfront development and wetland mitigation should be a primary concern. A few years ago, the Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) bought a stretch of riverfront property in my legislative district. This purchase was made in order to abide by federal law that requires states to preserve or mitigate wetlands. To my knowledge, this action was undertaken without public comment or a public hearing in the municipality where the land is located. Numerous constituents expressed to me their frustration and disappointment that the purchase of this land took place without their knowledge. In order to address these concerns, I will be introducing legislation that would require DGS to hold a public hearing 90 days prior to its purchase of wetlands. The measure would also require that a 10-day notice of the hearing be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the political subdivision where the wetlands are located. Please join me in support of more transparency and public involvement in the state’s purchase of wetlands.
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