JUDGING THE SYSTEM: AS THE WATER RISES, ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS SINK

“Our community suffered incredible damage to homes, businesses, and schools…Experts acknowledged this problem is bigger than they can solve at the local level.” Jacklyn Rusnock, PA State Representative, District 126.  

We all know that Berks County is flooding.  We watch it unfold every time we see a downpour.  In July 2023, flash floods tore through Maidencreek, Oley, Muhlenberg, and Lower Alsace, damaging homes, businesses, and Antietam High School.  Reading’s underpasses become dangerous and strand motorists as they routinely fill up with water when rains are heaviest.  And this problem won’t be going away any time soon because the fixes are slow, underfunded, and undermined by public policy.