Southwest Allegheny News

State Representatives Valerie Gaydos and Emily Kinkead held a town hall meeting in Sewickley, Allegheny County, to discuss legislation aimed at assisting homeowners in landslide-prone areas. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a new insurance program for such homeowners and provide aid to local governments in mitigating landslide risks.

"Landslides are a major issue," said Gaydos. She emphasized the need for government assistance due to the severe damage that landslides can cause, which is often not covered by standard homeowner's insurance.

Kinkead highlighted the historical context of land movement insurance, noting that mine subsidence insurance was created 60 years ago for similar reasons. "We need to govern!" she stated, underscoring the necessity of landslide insurance.

House Bill 589 aims to expand coverage under an existing Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection program, which currently covers only mine subsidence assistance and insurance. This expansion would include coverage for landslides, slope movement, and sinkholes.

Steve Pilarski, deputy county manager for Allegheny County, stressed the importance of collaboration among various levels of government. "The county can’t do this alone," he said. Barbara Carrier, mayor of Glen Osborne Borough, pointed out the potential increase in landslides due to more frequent rainfall and called for comprehensive planning.

Gaydos and Kinkead have reintroduced this bipartisan bill after updating previous versions discussed over several years. The bill addresses western Pennsylvania's susceptibility to landslides due to its geological characteristics and changing weather patterns.

Another town hall meeting on this topic is scheduled for October 5th in Pittsburgh.