HARRISBURG – Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37) applauded today’s Pennsylvania Senate’s passage of legislation to establish a dedicated urban search and rescue task force in western Pennsylvania, filling a crucial gap in the region’s emergency response capabilities.
House Bill 843, which mirrors Robinson’s own efforts in the Senate, is set to create a specialized team to serve Allegheny County and the broader western Pennsylvania area, ensuring the region meets stringent state and federal standards for urban search and rescue operations. The bill also directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct an in-depth study to assess the state’s current search and rescue resources and capabilities, positioning Pennsylvania to better respond to natural disasters and other large-scale emergencies.
“This is a huge step forward for the safety of our communities in western Pennsylvania,” said Robinson. “Establishing this team will not only save lives in times of disaster but will also strengthen our preparedness to meet standards and attract future resources. I’m proud to support this initiative and will continue working to ensure its swift implementation.”
As part of the 2024-25 budget, Robinson secured $6 million in state funding to support this newly established western Pennsylvania-based task force.
“With the proper funding now secured and the authorization to elevate western Pennsylvania response teams to state-recognized status, Allegheny County and its neighboring communities will receive vital support during emergencies,” said Robinson.
With the Senate’s approval, House Bill 843 now advances to the governor’s desk for final consideration.
CONTACT: Allison Dutrey