Owlett Again Seeks Wolf Administration’s Engagement to Resolve Stream Maintenance, Flooding Issues in Northern Tier

February 18, 2022

WELLSBORO – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) issued the following statement in response to more severe flooding in the region overnight:

“Once again, both lives and livelihoods are threatened by flooding. Fire and EMS are out all night risking their safety and trying to protect people and property. Schools are canceled this morning due to impassable roads. 

“Where’s Wolf?

“Late last year, the House Majority Policy Committee toured some flood-impacted areas in Tioga County and gathered testimony from farmers, landowners and local government officials about the challenges they face in properly maintaining creeks and streams. They offered possible solutions, including streamlined permitting – a state issue – and intergovernmental cooperation, also a state issue.

“Again, I ask, where’s Wolf?

“All the materials from the policy hearings were hand-delivered to the governor’s office with a letter requesting he engage with us to address this very important issue that is doing great harm to our residents and our communities.

“Nothing but silence from this administration.

“’Government that works’ is not just a slogan you highlight on your website and in talking points. A real government that works is one in which leaders get out there and get the job done to protect lives and livelihoods. 

“While we hope the governor will ultimately engage on this issue, we are not waiting for him. I am in the process of working with some of my fellow legislators to develop several bills aiming to change the policies surrounding creek and stream maintenance to allow local officials, farmers and landowners to protect themselves and their properties from more damaging floods.”