HARRISBURG - The fiscal distress problems spreading across
Pennsylvania cities are prompting state lawmakers to look more
closely at how the numerous municipal authorities that oversee
sewer and water systems, parking garages and other public
operations are regulated.  Cities such as Harrisburg and
Scranton are in financial jeopardy due in part to debt amassed
by their authorities. The authorities have their own governing
boards, but they have a symbiotic link to the city government
that is often the guarantor of their bonds.  The most
significant step taken recently to regulate municipal
authorities is a state law enacted in June after quietly making
its way through the Senate and House.  This law, sponsored by
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-9, Chester, requires
that an authority can only use its money for the services or
projects directly related to the mission or purpose of the
authority. It gives ratepayers legal recourse to sue in county
court to seek the return of money spent by the authority