Pennsylvania senator wants designated disaster fund

A Pennsylvania senator plans to introduce legislation to create a disaster relief fund for the state, and already has some ideas about funding.

Sen. John N. Wozniak announced the plan today, saying the fund will provide an opportunity for the state to act quickly the next time disaster strikes.

 

Wozniak’s bill would annually set aside 20 percent of revenue from the Johnstown Flood Tax for the creation of a statewide disaster relief fund; He estimates that at about $56 million per year, based on current revenue.

If the fund balance reaches $250 million, any additional revenue would go directly to the state’s most critical road or bridge projects. The legislation would require a two-thirds vote of the General Assembly to use the fund for any purpose other than direct relief.