DCED Files Act 46 Notice at PSATS' Request
Act 46 of 2010 requires that each affected government agency publish notice in the PA Bulletin of the applicability of the law. The Governor's Center for Local Government Services within DCED, at the request of PSATS, has filed this notice on behalf of all local governments that fall under the act. DCED believes this single filing on behalf of all local governments, including townships, meets the notice requirements of Act 46.

This measure represents a substantial savings of effort and expense for PSATS member townships. We sincerely thank the department for their cooperation and assistance in this timely filing. A copy of the notice, as well as additional background information and an analysis, is available on the member's only site by clicking here. Should you have any questions, please contact PSATS at 717-763-0930.

PSATS Leading Fight Against Legislation
that Would Eliminate Townships, Cities, and Boroughs
PSATS has outlined its objections to House Bill 2431 in a statewide news release. The bill, introduced by Rep. Thomas Caltagirone, calls on lawmakers to replace townships, cities, and boroughs with a county-based form of government.
Click here to read the news release.

PSATS Urges Townships to Pass Resolution Opposing Anti-Township Legislation:
Click here for more information

Workshop Proposals for
2011 Annual Educational Conference and Trade Show
PSATS is now accepting proposals for workshops to be offered during the 2011 Annual Educational Conference and Trade Show, to be held April 17-20, 2011 in Hershey PA. Please click here to access the Request for Proposal Form in PDF format, or in Word format, which can be emailed, faxed or mailed back to PSATS. The deadline for proposal submission is August 20, 2010.

Apply by Nov. 5 for PEMA Hazard Mitigation Grants
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is accepting applications for Hazard Mitigation Grants for federal fiscal year 2011. These grants fund activities that reduce disaster losses and protect life and property from future disaster damages.
- Click here for more information.
- Click here to apply using FEMA's online e-Grant system.

Make Your Voice Heard in D.C.! Register for NATaT 2010: Protecting Local Democracy
The annual conference of the National Association of Towns and Townships, Sept. 15-17, offers the chance to network with local government officials from other states, meet with your congressional delegation, and get the latest updates on federal initiatives that could impact your township.
Click here for more information or to register.

New Requirements for Townships with Underground Storage Tanks
By June 28, 2010, all regulated underground storage tank facilities, including township sites, must have emergency procedures and notification information readily available at the facility. In the case of unmanned facilities, the information must be posted within sight of the facility user.
Click here to read more.

Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling: How Could It Affect Your Local Water Supply?
View a workshop on this topic recorded during PSATS' Annual Educational Conference in Hershey. The session features Penn State University's Bryan Swistock and addresses how township officials and residents can work together to protect valuable water resources.
Click here to watch the workshop.

PennDOT Mandated Flagger Training
PSATS is offering two Flagger Training courses at the Educational Center on August 13, 2010. A Train-the-Trainer Flagger Training will be held from 8 AM – Noon and an instructor-led Flagger Training will be held in the afternoon, from 1 – 4 PM.
Click here for details.

CDL Courses
CDL Drug and Alcohol Testing Supervisory Training
Participants will learn what to do if they suspect or verify that an employee is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol while performing CDL duties.
Click here for more information.

CMV/CDL Records Management
The PSATS CDL program has developed this training program to help employers understand all of the state and federal records they are required to maintain for their commercial motor vehicles and the employees that operate them. In Pennsylvania, a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is any vehicle weighing more than 17,000 lbs. All employers with employees who operate such vehicles must keep these records.
Click here for more information.

Volunteer Fire, Emergency Services & Local Government: Building Partnerships for a Stronger Future
This session provides a very comprehensive view of the volunteer fire and emergency service role in the community, and the necessity for local governments to take new or renewed interests in how those services are provided.
Click here for details.

Attend the Top 10 List for Improving Your Municipal Operations Workshop
This workshop has been developed to provide attendees with tools that can be used to make improvements and to effect positive change in their municipality that will result in stronger communities and better service.
Click here for details.

Register Now for Parliamentary Procedure Workshop
This workshop has been developed to provide a basic understanding of parliamentary procedures for appointed and elected officials who have no experience with parliamentary procedure, for those who are just beginning to learn parliamentary procedure basics, and for those who are seeking a refresher on the topic.
Click here for details.

Survey Says...Cooperation Is Working for Townships and Taxpayers
This 2009 PSATS survey shows that townships statewide are reaping the benefits of working with their neighbors. Click here to view the results.

Jump-Start the U.S. Census In Your Township: Step Up to the "Take 10" Challenge
Click here for an electronic toolkit with talking points, sample speeches, new releases, newsletter copy, event suggestions, flyers, stickers, doorknob hanger templates, and more to help you help your community reap the greatest benefits from the U.S. Census. You can also see how the return rates in your township compare with those in other communities.

NATaT's Washington Report: Federal news that could affect your township
The National Association of Towns and Townships publishes this monthly report to provide timely information on legislative, regulatory, funding, and policy decisions that could impact local governments. To view the report, click here. Be sure to check back for monthly updates.

Newspaper Calls for Natural Gas Drilling Tax to Help Defray Related Local Government Costs
Click here to view this editorial from the Towanda Daily Review.

Get the Latest on the Act 32 EIT Collection System.
Click here for details.

Is Bigger Government Really Better?
Township government has been under attack since the release of a 2003 Brookings Institution report claiming that bigger government is better. The facts, however, don't support that claim. Click here to learn more about the governance debate in Pennsylvania and why the government closest to the people is also the most effective and efficient.

511PA: Your source for travel information
From traffic conditions to carpooling information to route planning, there has never been a more convenient way to find travel information in a one-stop-shop format. 511 Pennsylvania is designed to provide users with real-time traffic information, transportation alternatives and links to tourism hotspots across the Commonwealth.
Click here for more information.

Now Available Online

2009-2010 PSATS Policy Statement Click here for details (PDF format)

2009 PSATS Annual Report Click here for details (PDF format)