WASHINGTON – Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) introduced legislation today that will remove a National Park Service (NPS) restriction imposed on Paducah, Kentucky property. By removing this federal government restriction on land the city currently owns, the bill would empower local officials to fully transfer the property to the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club and allow the organization to renovate and improve their facilities.
“The Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club of Paducah has been a force for good in the Paducah-McCracken County community for over sixty years. Unnecessary restrictions imposed by the federal government have stood in the way of this local organization’s efforts to improve their facilities and offer even more critical programs to our youth. After collaborating with the city of Paducah, National Park Service, and other stakeholders, I am proud to introduce legislation today that will remove burdensome federal restrictions, empower local officials, and enable the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club to make long sought improvements that will benefit the community for decades to come. I look forward to working with Senator Rand Paul and Senator Mitch McConnell to get this bill across the finish line and to the President’s desk,” said Congressman James Comer.
The City of Paducah approached Congressman Comer’s office requesting assistance with removing the NPS’s role in the property that includes the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club. The city currently owns the property after it was conveyed through the Federal Lands to Parks Program, but NPS still holds one restriction on the property. Paducah, Kentucky officials seek to transfer the property to the Boys and Girls Club, allowing the organization to renovate the building, including an updated gym and additional classrooms. Congressman Comer’s office collaborated with the City of Paducah, NPS, U.S. Army, and the House Committee on Natural Resources on the legislation.
U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) introduced the Senate companion bill. U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is an original cosponsor.
“For over sixty years, the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club has provided invaluable services to the young people of Paducah, helping to shape the next generation with education, mentorship, and community support. The federal government shouldn’t stand in the way of their efforts to improve and expand their facilities. This legislation will remove burdensome restrictions and allow the City of Paducah to transfer this property so that the Boys and Girls Club can continue its mission without federal interference,” said Dr. Paul.
“I'm proud to partner with Congressman Comer and Senator Paul on legislation that will greenlight the City of Paducah's proposal to transfer this property to Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club," said Senator McConnell. "This organization does tremendous work for Kentucky's children, and our bill eliminates unnecessary barriers that have stood in the way of new, supportive spaces for young people in Paducah to learn and grow.”
“I served the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club for over 20 years as a Board member, investor, and community advocate and I know firsthand the important work they do in our community. After reaching out to Congressman Comer’s office presenting the land transfer dilemma they immediately began work on a solution. I want to thank Congressman Comer, Senator Paul, and Senator McConnell for their leadership and for their ongoing efforts in helping find an avenue that supports one of Paducah’s most important institutions. The transfer of this property, to the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club of Paducah, will allow them to invest in a building and land that they have ownership in, setting a course forward to continue their efforts of serving, and developing, future leaders of our community,” said Mayor of Paducah George Bray.