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Dauphin County Planning Commission authorized to convene stakeholders on Tanner's Run flooding
Summary
After testimony from a business owner who cited repeated infrastructure failures, the Dauphin County Planning Commission voted unanimously to lead a multi-jurisdictional effort to address flooding and failing stormwater infrastructure in the Tanner's Run watershed.
The Dauphin County Planning Commission voted unanimously to authorize staff to convene borough, township, school-district and county stakeholders to address repeated flooding and failing infrastructure in the Tanner's Run watershed.
The vote followed testimony from Bill Speck, who said his business and other properties have been affected by repeated collapses and runoff problems in the Tanner's Run system. "I just want to work together with the county with the local municipalities," Speck said, urging a coordinated effort and quicker repair instead of more studies.
Speck told the commission he has security cameras documenting incidents and traced some issues to infrastructure that predates recent work. He cited a 1996 engineering study he said recommended limiting growth in the watershed unless systems were upgraded. He described an earlier plan by HRG to construct an earth swale in a nearby park to help retain runoff, and said the school district ultimately installed an underground retention system when permitting concerns arose.
Staff and commissioners discussed the technical and funding hurdles. Jerry, planning staff, said the county and partner municipalities have previously pursued funding and design through the water resource enhancement program (REP) and related grant rounds. "If you pass a motion to have authorized staff on behalf of the county to work forward," Jerry said, "we will take the steps necessary to bring parties together." Commissioners noted PennDOT, the conservation district and state permitting (DEP) are likely to be involved.
Speck and commissioners outlined the watershed's geography: the stream crosses borough and township boundaries and includes private property where infrastructure has caved in. Commissioners and staff described a mix of potential fixes — swales, detention, culvert repair and larger watershed-level projects — but said the principal obstacle is funding and coordinating multiple municipal jurisdictions.
The motion that passed directed the Dauphin County Planning Commission to take a leadership role convening parties including Millersburg Borough, Upper Paxton Township, the school district, the county conservation district and any other necessary partners to pursue a coordinated solution. The commission indicated staff would seek funding opportunities, revisit prior design work, and arrange a stakeholder meeting or "summit" to set priorities and timelines.
Next steps identified in the meeting included compiling existing studies and video evidence, re-contacting previously involved engineers (including HRG), determining permitting needs related to wetlands, and seeking state and grant funding for design and construction. Commissioners said legislative representatives and county commissioners have been informed and may assist in finding funds.
