Kail Calls Construction Back to Work Due to Public Safety Concerns

March 25, 2020

CENTER – Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) is calling on Gov. Tom Wolf to lift the ban on construction work in the Commonwealth as partially built and then abandoned projects pose risks to public health and safety.

The governor deemed the construction industry “non-essential” and, with all other non-essential businesses in the state, banned workers who can’t perform their jobs at home from reporting to work. This measure was done to encourage the social distancing Wolf and his administration are saying is necessary to preserve public health in light of COVID-19.

“Just as it’s important for the potential impact of coronavirus to public health to be considered, so should the governor’s response to coronavirus,” Kail said. “Are we creating worse problems for ourselves with our response? In this case, I believe the answer is yes.”

Kail stands with his colleagues to implore the governor to allow firms to perform essential functions relating to partially built homes, other construction projects and neighborhoods. Essential functions include:

• Weathering-in all home components by completing the installation of exterior framing, roofs, siding, windows and doors.
• Completing the installation of any utilities where trenches or other site infrastructure are open or otherwise exposed.
• Completing any earthmoving activities necessary to stabilize construction sites and prevent soil erosion and damage from stormwater.
• Secure equipment and materials from theft, fire or deterioration.
• Taking any other steps necessary to secure sites under active construction to mitigate the risk of injury, looting or environmental contamination.

Representative Joshua Kail
15th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
717.260.6206
aevans@pahousegop.com
RepKail.com / Facebook.com/RepKail