Bill granting land for Wyoming Area Regional Police Department and West Pittston flood control project one step away from becoming law
HARRISBURG – The state House today in Harrisburg approved legislation introduced by local state Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne) and championed by state Sens. John Yudichak (I-14) and Lisa Baker (R-20) that would transfer state property to Wyoming and West Pittston, which will use the properties respectively for a regional police department and a flood control project.
The Wyoming property will be transferred to the Wyoming Area Regional Police Department (WARP) Commission and the West Pittston property will be used for a flood control project.
“My bill will give new life to these two properties by transferring them from the Commonwealth to local communities,” Kaufer said. “This is an example of various levels of government working together to deliver results for local residents. I am grateful to Sens. Yudichak and Baker for their help in getting the bill across the finish line.”
“I am honored to work with Rep. Kaufer to advance legislation that will greatly enhance public safety in several west-side communities in Luzerne County,” Yudichak said. “The transfer of land and capital assets from the Department of General Services to these communities will help improve flood mitigation efforts in West Pittston and will provide a fitting new home for the recently formed Wyoming Area Regional Police Commission.”
“The transfer of these properties is a testament to working together to make our communities safer and stronger, through better utilization of our state’s resources,” Baker said. “Re-evaluating the assets of our Commonwealth and reusing a state asset to establish a regional police force will better serve public safety and benefit local residents for years to come. I was pleased to work with Rep. Kaufer and Sen. Yudichak to get this legislation through the General Assembly.”
House Bill 2051 would authorize the Department of General Services (DGS) to transfer the former Wyoming State Police Headquarters and 3.9 acres of land to the Borough of Wyoming, which plans to use the property for the operation of the WARP.
“This new facility will be transferred to the new Wyoming Area Police Department at no cost to local taxpayers by using grant money that will cover the purchase and rehabilitation of the facility,” said Kaufer.
The legislation also would authorize DGS to transfer the old Pennsylvania National Guard Armory and 3.3 acres of land in West Pittston to the Borough of West Pittston, which plans to demolish the building and install a pump station in support of a local flood control project. The armory, located at 1308 Susquehanna Ave., most recently was supposed to serve as a regional office of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. That vision never became a reality.
“This bill is a win for the Commonwealth, a win for the two local governments and a win for the local residents who will benefit from these projects,” Kaufer said.
The bill previously was approved by the state Senate and now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.