Creating a Better System: Managing Stormwater and Floods in Pennsylvania

Author:

Shannon Leininger

Co-Authors:

Institution:

Penn State Law

Abstract

Storm and flood water are managed separately in Pennsylvania due to legislation in the 1970s. Already one of the most flood prone states in the U.S., Pennsylvania faces increased flood and stormwater management challenges going forward. To address how Pennsylvania might better manage storm and flood water going forward, this study analyzed both flood and stormwater laws and implementation at the federal, state, and local level, then compared how these issues are managed by other states. This study offers ideas on how Pennsylvania could create a better flood and stormwater management system to increase compliance, protect people living in flood hazard areas, and reduce the effects of stormwater runoff pollution.