Republican state representatives from Adams, Cumberland, and York counties are urging Gov. Tom Wolf to allow construction workers to return to job sites and complete projects after Wolf classified construction on the list of “nonessential” businesses on March 19.
In a statement, the lawmakers said they believed Wolf was wrong to shut down all construction and said the more than 250,000 Pennsylvania construction workers should be allowed to return work, incorporating safety protocols.
“Since the governor issued his sudden and confusing order to close numerous businesses, homes that were under construction are left to deteriorate in the elements, causing environmental harm, as well as costing businesses and would-be homeowners thousands of dollars,” the statement said. “Though emergency repairs are permitted as part of the governor’s list, he has been unclear if that means workers can shore up homes to protect materials.”
Bordering states have allowed construction to continue, the statement noted.
“Unfinished homes and other buildings also pose safety risks to those, particularly children, who would venture onto sites. In addition, roadwork projects ceased even though the drastically reduced amount of traffic provides an opportune time for the projects to move forward,” the legislators stated. “We believe construction can continue when workers follow social distancing practices. At most construction sites, workers aren’t often near their colleagues, but rather work solitarily, or in very small groups.”
The statement was signed by House Appropriations Chairman Stan Saylor (R-Red Lion) and Reps. Sheryl Delozier (R-Lower Allen), Torren Ecker (R-Abbottstown), Keith Gillespie (R-Hellam), Barb Gleim (R-Carlisle), Seth Grove (R-Dover), Mike Jones (R-York Township), Dawn Keefer (R-Dillsburg), Mark Keller (R-Landisburg), Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), Dan Moul (R-Gettysburg), and Greg Rothman (R-Camp Hill).