Rapp, White Team Up To Get WGH Land Use Legislation Signed

HARRISBURG -Complementary amendments sponsored by Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Forest/McKean) and Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Warren/Butler/Clarion/Erie/Forest/Venango) to enable Warren General Hospital to purchase approximately 0.74 acres of land owned by the City of Warren for the fair market value of $81,500 were signed into law on Tuesday as part of Act 16 of 2009.

"It was my privilege to once again work together with Senator Mary Jo White to facilitate final passage of this legislation for the citizens we represent," said Rapp.

Originally introduced as House Bill 720, Rapp's legislation releases the Project 70 land use restrictions on the two parcels of land owned by the City of Warren to allow Warren General Hospital to move forward with its planned expansion of the current cancer treatment facility, additional physician office suites, and extra parking areas for patients, visitors and staff.

"I was pleased to assist Representative Rapp in expeditiously moving the legislation so the hospital project can advance," said White.

Both Rapp's and White's amendments also specified that proceeds from the sale of this land to Warren General Hospital will be deposited into a special account for use by the City of Warren, upon approval by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), to develop park land that must include a ball field, a parking lot and an access road. Funds not used in five years will be deposited into the Project 70 Land Acquisition Sinking Fund.

Taking effect immediately, Rapp's and White's amendments were necessary due to Section 20 of the Project 70 Land Acquisition and Borrowing Act which requires the General Assembly to approve all other proposed uses of Project 70 land that do not involve the purchase of park lands or public recreational use.

Prior to both amendments, Act 16, as originally drafted, was solely intended to lift Project 70 land use restrictions for the City of Wilkes-Barre in Luzerne County.

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