Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2216

Introduced
4/16/24  
Refer
4/16/24  
Refer
6/26/24  
Report Pass
6/27/24  
Engrossed
6/27/24  
Refer
6/30/24  
Refer
7/10/24  
Report Pass
7/11/24  
Enrolled
7/12/24  
Chaptered
7/17/24  

Caption

Authorizing the Department of General Services, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and with the approval of the Governor, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, to quitclaim and release to the United States of America any right, title or interest it may have with respect to a certain use restriction and a related reversionary interest related to certain portions of Valley Forge National Historical Park situate in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; authorizing the release of Project 70 restrictions on certain land owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in Overfield Township, Wyoming County; authorizing the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to the City of Philadelphia a right-of-way easement situate in the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, in exchange for improvements to Benjamin Rush State Park and monetary consideration to the Commonwealth to be used toward the acquisition and conveyance of a tract of land to be added to French Creek State Park; authorizing the transfer of administrative jurisdiction of portions of State park lands in exchange for certain lands situate in New Vernon Township, Mercer County, from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to the Department of Transportation for anticipated highway improvement projects; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Department of Agriculture and the Governor, to grant and convey to Joshua R. Snyder a certain tract of land located in Windsor Township, Berks County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey certain lands and improvements situate in Haverford Township, Delaware County, to Carelink Community Support Services of PA, Inc.; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Governor, to grant and convey to The Roland Curtin Foundation for the Preservation of Eagle Furnace, certain lands, buildings and improvements, situate in Boggs Township, Centre County, and further authorizing the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to transfer to The Roland Curtin Foundation for the Preservation of Eagle Furnace its buildings located on adjacent property leased from the United States Department of the Army; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Franklin Township, Greene County, certain lands situate in Franklin Township, Greene County; authorizing the Department of General Services to convey to the Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry and Tourism, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, certain lands and improvements thereon, situate in Oil City, Venango County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, to convey to the Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry and Tourism, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, certain lands and improvements thereon, situate in Oil City, Venango County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Department of Transportation and the Governor, to grant and convey to the Bear Creek Township Volunteer Hose Company an access easement and two storm water easements from certain lands situate in Bear Creek Township, Luzerne County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to release a portion of a use restriction affecting certain real property situate in Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County, which the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania previously conveyed to the School District of the City of Harrisburg; authorizing the sale and transfer of title for a 0.232 acre of

Impact

The legislative intent of HB 2216 is to streamline the process for the conveyance of state-owned properties, thereby potentially enhancing the utilization and management of these lands. The bill specifically addresses the easing of restrictions on land management, which may allow for improvements in local parks and recreational areas. By allowing the release of restrictions tied to Project 70 on properties, the bill aims to facilitate necessary improvements or developments that align with community and environmental needs.

Summary

House Bill 2216 focuses on facilitating the transfer and conveyance of various parcels of land owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The bill authorizes the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and various other departments, to quitclaim, convey, and release rights related to specific properties. Notable locations involved include areas within Valley Forge National Historical Park and lands designated for Project 70 restrictions. The bill addresses multiple conveyances, including to organizations and municipalities, for varied purposes including historical preservation and community development.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 2216 appears to be supportive, particularly from stakeholders interested in land management and historical preservation. Supporters argue that the bill provides necessary flexibility for local governments and organizations to utilize state lands more effectively. However, there could be concerns where local communities prefer stricter preservation policies or have fears about the terms of land use and the potential for commercialization.

Contention

One notable point of contention revolves around the conditions placed on lands conveyed, especially regarding use restrictions that prevent certain types of facilities on the properties. Critics may highlight the potential for sudden changes in land use that could affect community interests, especially if restrictions are lifted or altered. The bill also includes financial implications tied to the conveyance of properties, where failure to adhere to conditions set forth requires substantial penalties, potentially leading to disputes over compliance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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Authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Susquehanna Regional Transportation Authority certain lands situate in the City of Harrisburg, Dauphin County; authorizing the transfer of an easement interest in lands for a portion of the Project 70 lands owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, known as Lake Winola Access, in Overfield Township, Wyoming County, to the Department of Transportation; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, to convey to Tioga County a tract of land, and to accept a tract of land from Tioga County, both tracts being located in Charleston Township, Tioga County; and authorizing the Department of General Services, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with the approval of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Governor, to grant and convey to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, solely for the use of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, a parcel in Lehigh Township, Carbon County, in exchange for a tract partly in Nesquehoning Borough and partly in Lehigh Township, Carbon County, to be conveyed to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting by and through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and added to Lehigh Gorge State Park.

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