It was great catching up last week in D.C. with a group of Pennsylvania township supervisors, many of whom I had just seen at their annual conference in Hershey. These local leaders are the ones dealing with real challenges in their communities…
Recognize Public Works Crews This Week!
May 17-23, 2026, is National Public Works Week, recognizing the importance and essential role that public works employees play in communities across the country. This year’s theme “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community” acknowledges that the roots of service run…
PUC Issues Final Order for New Tariff Framework to Protect Ratepayers, Guide Data Center Growth
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) released its final order for a model tariff for large-load customers — including rapidly expanding data centers. This action builds on the PUC’s work to address the rapid expansion of large-load customers and the potential impacts on infrastructure…
Follow-Up on Borough of West Chester Stormwater Decision; Why Second Class Townships Stand Apart in the Stormwater “Fee vs. Tax” Ruling
As previously reported in the PSATS Morning News, a divided Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently ruled that a stormwater management charge imposed by the Borough of West Chester was a tax that could not be collected from West Chester University, a…
Reminder: Federal SS4A Grant Applications for Roadway Safety Due May 26
The U.S. Department of Transportation is accepting applications for the Safe Streets & Roads for All (SS4A) grant program to support planning and demonstration projects to prevent death or serious injury on roads involving all road users, including pedestrians and bicyclists; public transportation, personal conveyance, and motorists; and…
PennDOT Reports Decline in Fatal Crashes and Traffic Deaths in 2025
The state Department of Transportation announced that the number of people killed in traffic crashes in 2025 dropped to 1,047 which was 80 fewer than in 2024. “Even one life lost is one too many, so while this decrease is good news, Pennsylvania remains committed to moving toward zero deaths on…
National Police Week Recognized Through May 15
Each May, our nation comes together to honor the courage, sacrifice and dedication of law enforcement officers. Originally established by presidential proclamation, National Police Week includes Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15th and a week of observances recognizing officers who given their lives in the line…
Townships Receive Federal Transportation Grants
The state Department of Transportation announced federal investments of more than $74 million in 72 projects in 38 counties to improve community resources and public accessibility around the Commonwealth. The projects are funded as part of the 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Surface…
ADA Compliance for Municipal Websites Extended 1 Year
In case you missed it, U.S. Department of Justice has extended the Americans with Disabilities Act compliance dates for local governments by one year. The compliance deadline for municipalities with a total population of 50,000 or more was supposed to take effect last month but has been extended to April…
Governor Shapiro Signs UCC Accessibility Bill
Last week, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Act 16 of 2026 (SB 867), which establishes an updated process in the Uniform Construction Code for the review and adoption of accessibility codes. A new statewide Accessibility Advisory Board will be appointed to review the accessibility provisions portion of the UCC regulations and submit a report to…
