[wrightchr]

<b>Irresponsibility on stormwater </b>
Wednesday, May 26, 2004

This week the state Department of General Services receives proposals to build a hotel on the north parking lot of the Farm Show Complex. Will it exercise stormwater stewardship, or will it continue stormwater irresponsibility?

In requesting proposals for the future hotel, the DGS and its partners, the Department of Agriculture and the City of Harrisburg, did not require the bidders to consider any onsite infiltration of stormwater, despite being advised of the need by Paxton Creek Watershed and Education Association, and others. It is ironic that some state agencies, the departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural Resources, promote desirable, alternative techniques of stormwater management, while others ignore the need, as with the addition to the Farm Show Complex two years ago.

The association strongly supports economic redevelopment, particularly along Cameron Street. However, it must be done responsibly. Granted, flooding of Paxton Creek in Harrisburg is a major impact of development in municipalities upstream, but those downstream must do their part. The association has planned dozens of projects to promote stormwater infiltration and to help reduce upstream runoff.

How can we expect sympathy and support in upstream communities when the DGS and others ignore the issues and build structures that worsen the situation?

It is time for the DGS to cooperate by requiring Low Impact Development stormwater management techniques. If it starts doing this with the proposed hotel, we will be proud to recognize them as partners in stormwater stewardship. If not, just the contrary.

E. DRANNON BUSKIRK JR.

President, Paxton Creek Watershed and Education Association Harrisburg