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03/28/2024 07:27 AM
Pennsylvania State Senate
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20210&cosponId=34845
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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: February 25, 2021 10:24 PM
From: Senator Cris Dush
To: All Senate members
Subject: Utility Companies and Traffic Control Services
 
In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to amend Title 66 (Public Utilities), by requiring utility companies to have a competent, private sector traffic control service, on retainer in the event of a downed power line or other utility company property that obstructs a road or highway or otherwise creates a public safety hazard which would require personnel on-scene to protect life.

Every day across the Commonwealth, there are incidents as described above creating a hazardous condition on or along our roadways. Our volunteer fire companies are often the first on the scene and, unfortunately, the last to leave.

Volunteer fire companies provide clean up, traffic control, and prevent further incidents or harm, without getting compensated for any resource expenditures.

I believe it is appropriate for utility companies to bear the responsibility to have private traffic control services on retainer to respond within two hours of a hazardous event involving their facilities, and not rely on our volunteer fire companies to watch their property until utility crews arrive, without just compensation to the fire companies.

Please join me as a co-sponsor of this important legislation, which will allow more time for our volunteer fire departments, and their Fire police units, to rest and prepare for the next community emergency, rather than staying up all night waiting for a utility crew to repair damaged utility infrastructure that poses a danger to the community.