Commission reviews comprehensive‑plan outreach, Tanner’s Run progress and flags federal housing law session

County planning staff told the commission on July 13 that Dauphin County received two $75,000 grants (MAPS and a gaming grant) to support the comprehensive‑plan update and public outreach. Staff described outreach events at Hershey Station and Strawberry Square, summarized survey results received so far, and invited commissioners to a stakeholder workshop for municipal planning and zoning officials on Aug. 12.

On stormwater and flooding, staff and commissioners reported incremental progress on Tanner’s Run. Tanner (planner) said borough excavation stopped after crews found a blocked metal culvert under a building’s foundation that could undermine the structure if cleared without engineering review. Staff said emergency‑management and hazard‑mitigation teams are compiling potential funding sources, and the county can assist with grant writing and engineering support while noting that the borough must be the formal grant applicant.

A commissioner also noted that the 21st Century Road to Housing Act became law on July 11 and described the act’s housing supply framework provisions, which will prompt HUD guidance and a task force to publish best practices for local zoning and land‑use frameworks. County staff said Cumberland County will host a virtual information session on Aug. 5 (noon–1 p.m.) for municipal officials and stakeholders to explain the law and its implications.

Next steps: staff will continue outreach for the comprehensive plan, assist boroughs with grant applications for flood mitigation where appropriate, and circulate details about the upcoming housing‑act information session.