Pennsylvania House Bill HB553

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/11/25
• Refer: 2/11/25
• Refer: 6/16/25
• Report Pass: 6/17/25
• Engrossed: 6/23/25
• Refer: 6/23/25
• Enrolled: 6/30/25
• Chaptered: 6/30/25
• Passed: 6/30/25

Caption

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.

Impact

The legislation will amend existing property management protocols and facilitate transactions that aim to optimize state land use. By enabling these land exchanges, the bill is perceived to enhance accessibility to recreational areas such as the Lehigh Gorge State Park. The transfer of such land and easements is also intended to improve the surrounding infrastructure, consequently aligning with broader economic development goals for the Commonwealth.

Summary

House Bill 553 authorizes multiple land conveyances and easement transfers by the Department of General Services in Pennsylvania. It specifically focuses on transferring lands to the Susquehanna Regional Transportation Authority and the Tioga County, along with managing easement interests related to Project 70 lands owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. These decisions entail the acceptance of land from Tioga County in conjunction with the conveyance of other parcels intended to enhance public access and resources for state parks.

Sentiment

Opinion on HB 553 appears to reflect a generally supportive stance among state officials, particularly those advocating for improved public resources and transportation infrastructure. However, there may be underlying concerns regarding the accountability of land use and ensuring that the public's interests are protected throughout these transactions. Overall, discussions surrounding this bill may emphasize the trade-offs involved in land exchanges versus the potential for community enhancement.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the specific conditions placed on the property conveyed, including prohibitions against certain uses such as licensed facilities. The language of the bill outlines these restrictions firmly, aiming to prevent misuse of the lands transferred, which may spark discussions regarding the adequacy of these controls. Additionally, the timelines for executing these exchanges are crucial, as delays could lead to alternative disposition methods, indicating the importance of timely execution in achieving the bill’s objectives.