PSATS hosts 15 regional 2 1/2-day Boot Camps every two years following municipal elections to help newly elected township supervisors understand their roles and responsibilities. This is also a good refresher session for existing supervisors or newer secretaries and managers. […]
Administration Launches New Driver Work Zone Safety Program
Yesterday, the state Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission launched a new, statewide training program to improve new driver safety and protect road workers. The New Driver Work Zone Safety Program is a training project that uses engaging […]
Grants Available to Help Provide Water Storage, Drought Resilience
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) has up to $6 million in funding available under the Consumptive Use Mitigation Grant Program. Townships and municipal authorities are eligible to apply through January 31, 2025. The 2024 grant program is aimed at projects focused […]
Shapiro Signs Executive Order to Coordinate Permitting of Key Projects
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order yesterday to create a Pennsylvania Permit Fast Track program to streamline the commonwealth’s permitting process for key economic development and infrastructure projects, including permit coordination across agencies. The Office of Transformation and Opportunity will lead […]
DEP Claims to Reduce Permit Backlog by 75%
The state Department of Environmental Protection claims it has reduced its permit backlog by 75% in the last year, along with eliminating the backlog for oil and gas permits. DEP states that it reviews more than 45,000 permit applications annually, […]
EPA Land Revitalization Technical Assistance Available for Brownfields
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Land Revitalization Technical Assistance Program to promote the revitalization of brownfield areas. If your township has a site or group of sites impacted by contamination or suspected contamination, EPA can provide targeted support for […]
Free Online Update on Solar Farms in PA December 9
Want to know more about grid-scale solar installations? On Monday, December 9, noon-1:30 p.m., PSATS will host a free webinar focusing on the current landscape of utility-scale solar farms in Pennsylvania and how townships can address them through ordinances. In the first […]
Reminder: Local Share Account Program Accepting Grant Applications Until 11/30
The state Department of Community and Economic Development is accepting applications for Local Share Account Grants. Townships, municipal authorities, and councils of governments are eligible to apply through November 30, 2024 towards project costs between $25,000 to $1,000,000. No match is […]
Historic Collection and Preservation Grants Available Until 12/12
The National Park Service has announced the return of the Save America’s Treasures (SAT) grant program to help preserve nationally significant historic properties and collections that convey our nation’s rich heritage. Townships are eligible to apply for grants in two categories through December […]
Federal Judge Strikes Down Increased Overtime Thresholds
On Friday, a federal district court judge in Texas struck down a federal overtime rule implemented by the Biden administration that took effect July 1 and was scheduled to increase on January 1, 2025. The new rule required overtime to […]