Flood Risk and Mitigation

Policy Committee    April 29, 2025

MUHLENBERG TOWNSHIP, April 29 – Severe weather has devastated communities with increasing regularity, destroying structures, damaging homes and posing a significant risk to lives. At a House Majority Policy Committee public hearing, local officials detailed the 100-year storm is happening more consistently, and they are asking for increased resources and funding to save lives and protect households. Rusnock, who began her first term in the House in January, hosted the House Majority Policy Committee hearing on flood risk mitigation at the Muhlenberg Township Building. 

• Host: Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock
• Testifiers:
  • Jim Bobeck- Township Manager, Muhlenberg Township
  • Ken Bonkonski- Head of Facilities, Antietam School District
  • Hunter Ahrens- Borough Manager, Borough of Mt. Penn
  • Jill Whitcomb- Deputy Secretary for Water Programs, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
  • Dean Druckenmiller- District Executive, Berks County Conservation District
  • Pamela Stevens- Civil Engineering Department Manager, Systems Design Engineering, Inc

Agenda + Testimony

• Hearing agenda and testimony: Flood Risk and Mitigation

Media Release + News Coverage

• Local communities ask for state, federal help after devastating floods, April 29, 2025
• WFMZ, Muhlenberg Twp. hearing highlights need for state and federal support post-flooding, April 29, 2025

Video + Photos

• Click here to view the entire hearing
• Click here to view photos of the hearing