Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1775

Introduced
10/19/23  

Caption

Authorizing the release of Project 70 restrictions on certain land owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in Overfield Township, Wyoming County.

Impact

The impact of HB 1775 is significant as it alters the legal framework surrounding public land use in Pennsylvania. By lifting the Project 70 restrictions, this bill could encourage land development projects which may contribute to local economic growth. However, this act also raises concerns regarding environmental protections and the preservation of public lands, as the Project 70 restrictions were originally put in place to ensure that certain lands remain protected from commercial development and other uses that could compromise ecological integrity. The community's response to the bill could vary based on their values regarding environmental stewardship versus economic development.

Summary

House Bill 1775 seeks to authorize the release of Project 70 restrictions on certain lands owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission located in Overfield Township, Wyoming County. This legislation is specifically aimed at two parcels of land, allowing for their release from restrictions that were previously imposed under the Project 70 Land Acquisition and Borrowing Act, thus facilitating potential development or alternative uses of these lands that may have been restricted previously. The bill emphasizes the need for a careful balance between land management needs and public land usage rights.

Sentiment

Sentiment around HB 1775 appears to be mixed. Proponents argue that the release of these restrictions is necessary for enabling responsible development that could have economic benefits for the area, fostering greater opportunities for recreation and community use. Conversely, opponents express concerns that lifting these restrictions may lead to detrimental impacts on local ecosystems, reducing conservation efforts and compromising public access to natural resources. Thus, public opinion may be shaped significantly by differing perspectives on land use priorities.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB 1775 is the potential conflict between land conservation advocacy and interests in economic development. Critics argue that the bill could set a precedent for diminishing environmental protections under the guise of economic progress. Moreover, there are challenges surrounding how to manage the transition of these lands out of restrictions responsibly, ensuring that any development is consistent with sustainable practices and community needs. Ensuring a transparent process for land use changes will likely be a critical factor in the discussions that follow the consideration of this bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB847

Authorizing the release of Project 70 restrictions on certain land owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in Overfield Township, Wyoming County.

PA SB1314

Authorizing an easement and release of Project 70 restrictions on certain land owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in Overfield Township, Wyoming County.

PA SB382

Authorizing an easement and release of Project 70 restrictions on certain land owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in Overfield Township, Wyoming County.

PA HB1518

Authorizing the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey certain lands and improvements situate in the 47th Ward of the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, to New Freedom Theatre, Inc.; 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.; and 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.

PA HB2575

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.

PA HB784

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.

PA HB2216

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

PA HB553

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

PA HB709

Authorizing the release of Project 70 restrictions on certain land owned by Lower Salford Township, Montgomery County, in return for the development of a hiking trail and scenic viewing area in Lower Salford Township, Montgomery County.

PA SB467

Authorizing the release of Project 70 restrictions on certain lands owned by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, formerly owned by the Borough of West Mifflin, Allegheny County, in exchange for the imposition of Project 70 restrictions on other land owned by the Borough of West Mifflin; and authorizing the Department of General Services, with notice to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, to grant and convey to the White Birch Golf Course and Restaurant certain lands situate in Rush Township, Schuylkill County.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.