Removing Restrictions From A Parcel of Land in Paducah, Kentucky

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, in 2012, the National Park Service conveyed this 3.62- acre parcel of land in Kentucky to the city of Paducah through the Federal Lands to Parks Program.

This program allows States, counties, and local governments to acquire surplus land for public recreational purposes, an incredibly impactful alternative to the Trump administration's public lands selloff scheme.

Although the land was conveyed to the city, the National Park Service still retains a deed restriction. Today, the parcel is utilized, as you heard, by the Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club, which provides programming for youth in the community. The club is a central part of the community but faces challenges in accepting new members and a growing wait list due to the need for renovations and expansion of facilities.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1276 would remove the National Park Service's deed restriction, allowing the city of Paducah to transfer the parcel to the club so that they can move forward with the renovations and improvements needed to increase capacity, expand programming, and better serve youth in the community.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the majority for working with us in the markup to add language that ensures that this property continues to serve a public purpose by the Boys & Girls Club. This is an important assurance and guarantee.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Ms. RANDALL. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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