Pa. Township News

In the April 2026 Pa. Township News

A Smooth Ride: Maintaining Township Roads Starts with Preservation Practices
Roads require a lot of work. They are the lifeblood of a community and pave the way for residents to get to work, school, and play. Keeping roads intact over time requires the commitment of taxpayer dollars and the sweat equity of township crews and roadmasters. Proven strategies can help townships protect these investments by preserving and maintaining pavement as long as possible.

Using What You Have: Pavement Recycling Methods
Save Townships Money While Increasing Road Stability
Often on tight budgets, townships seek cost-effective but reliable ways to preserve pavement. Methods such as full-depth reclamation, cold in-place recycling, cold central plant recycling, and hot in-place recycling are saving townships money by allowing them to use materials they already have to reclaim and repair their roads.

Going with the Flow: Stream Continuity Approach for
Road Crossings Reduces Flooding, Restores Natural Design
Designing stream crossings to protect waterway continuity is gaining in popularity in Pennsylvania, thanks in large part to the backing of numerous agencies, including the state Department of Environmental Protection, the Fish and Boat Commission, and the Dirt, Gravel, and Low-Volume Road Program. Stream continuity can reduce the likelihood of flooding while preserving the natural flow of the stream, thus making it easier for aquatic and other animals to navigate the flow.

Call Before You Dig: Pennsylvania One Call Provides Centralized, Statewide Utility Database
With the arrival of warmer weather, townships are gearing up to complete more outdoor public works projects. As National Safe Digging Month, April is the perfect time to remind municipalities, utility owners, and other stakeholders that contacting the Pennsylvania One Call system before digging is not just a legal requirement — it could save lives.

Protecting Townships: PSATS Testimony Addresses Data Centers and Cybersecurity
In recent testimony before House committees, PSATS reminded legislators that townships are ahead of the curve in land use decisions but as vulnerable as other entities to cybersecurity threats. In both cases, PSATS pressed legislators to look beyond one-size-fits-all solutions.

Partners in Transportation: Municipal Services Representatives Provide Insight at Public Works Expo
The inaugural PSATS Public Works Expo in December featured a forum with PennDOT Municipal Services representatives from across Pennsylvania. The panel answered questions and reminded municipalities that they are there to serve.

Legal Advertising: Real Transparency Means Meeting People Where They Are
Townships believe in governmental transparency and strive to keep their residents informed. What are they supposed to do, however, when the outlets they are mandated to use for legal notices are no longer the places where people get their news — if they even still exist?

Meet Your PSATS Executive Board Nominees for Office
Get to know your Executive Board nominees in preparation to vote at the Annual Conference, April 19-22 in Hershey.

And More …
The April edition also includes upcoming educational opportunities and all the regular columns you count on each month.