Senate Local Government Committee will hold a public hearing on Harrisburg debt.

From The Office of Senator John Eichelberger:

Harrisburg, PA State Senator John H. Eichelberger, Jr. (R-30), Chairman of the Local Government Committee announced that the committee has scheduled a hearing on issues raised by the recent audit of the Harrisburg incinerator.

The forensic examination of the Harrisburg Incinerator raises numerous concerns as to the role that the debt of a municipal authority can play in the financial distress of a community, stated Eichelberger.

With regard to the Harrisburg incinerator project, the laws designed to protect taxpayers from undue debt failed. The committee needs to determine whether that failure was due to a lack of compliance with those laws, or whether changes are needed to strengthen them.

Senator John P. Blake (D-22), Minority Chairman of the Committee, expressed his support for public hearings. "The forensic audit of the project, released in January of this year, outlines circumstances which may not be unique to the City of Harrisburg," said Blake. "Rather, the issues raised by the audit may have statewide implications regarding the fiscal health of our cities."

It is anticipated that this may be the first of multiple hearings on the subject, all of which will be open to the public. An agenda will be available prior to the hearing.

WHO: Senate Local Government Committee

WHAT: Public Hearing

WHEN: Wednesday August 29, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Hearing Room 1, North Office Bldg.

State Capitol Complex, Harrisburg, PA

Archive video of Harrisburg Authority board member Bill Cluck calling for special prosecution legislation.

Photo/Natalie Cake