27,021 new cases of COVID-19 were reported last week, a 57% increase compared to the prior week. The statewide COVID-19 total case count now stands at 1,294,730 and cases have now increased for seven weeks in a row. Despite being 5th…
PSATS Executive Director Issues Statement Supporting Local Decision Making
The following statement was issued yesterday by PSATS Executive Director David M. Sanko: “On behalf of Pennsylvania’s 1,454 townships of the second class, we emphasize the critical importance of local decision making. Township and other local leaders know what’s best…
Wolf Calls on FEMA to Lower Federal Thresholds for Flood Aid
As Pennsylvania experiences more localized short-duration high-intensity rainstorms that cause devastating flash flooding, Gov. Tom Wolf sent a letter urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency to lower the federal damage assessment thresholds required for these events to qualify for federal…
Opioid Disaster Declaration Ends After 4 Years
Gov. Tom Wolf’s opioid disaster declaration ended after the General Assembly declined to extend the declaration under the new provisions of the Pennsylvania Constitution. Previously, the declaration had been renewed 15 times. Wolf continues to press for renewal. Many efforts…
Commonwealth Highlights Efforts to Combat Litter
Both the state Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania State Police have made concerted efforts to cut down on littering through education, enforcement, cleanups, and volunteering. PennDOT crews have expanded litter pickup operations, focusing on higher-traffic roads. The agency spends…
Reminder: FHWA Form 536 Due September 15
Township officials are reminded that the Federal Highway Administration Form 536 is due September 15. Forms may be submitted online through the state Department of Transportation’s web form by visiting PennDOT’s FHWA Form 536 Reporting website. Once on the website,…
Want to Know Your Township’s 2020 Census Population? The 2020 Census Results by Township are now Available!
The long awaited 2020 Census population results were recently released with Pennsylvania having a final population of count of 13,002,700 people, a 2.4 percent increase from 2010 and is now ranked as the 5th largest state in the country. Of…
Reminder: Townships Required to Post Agendas 24 Hours Before Meetings
Beginning August 29, Act 65 of 2021 will require all township boards and commissions to post agendas on a website, if they have one, and at the township building and meeting place at least 24 hours before the meeting. Action items may…
Pennsylvania Redistricting Commission Changes How to Count Prisoners
Pennsylvania’s Legislative Reapportionment Commission voted 3-2 yesterday to count prisoners in the municipalities in which they lived immediately prior to sentencing. The U.S. Census Bureau requires counting prisoners where they are physically located. This state change will only apply to…
IFO Releases Natural Gas, Labor Market Reports
The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) has released new reports on natural gas production and the labor market. The Natural Gas Production Report for the second quarter shows a growth in output of 7.8%, the strongest in two years. The Labor…
