WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) appeared before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands to testify in support of his legislation that will remove a National Park Service (NPS) restriction imposed on Paducah, Kentucky property. He stressed that unnecessary restrictions by the federal government have stood in the way of the Paducah-McCracken County community and their efforts to make critical facility and program improvements at the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club of Paducah. By removing this federal government restriction on land the city currently owns, Congressman Comer’s legislation would empower local officials and residents to fully transfer the property to the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club and allow the organization to renovate and improve their operations.
Following Congressman Comer’s remarks, the Mayor of Paducah, George Bray, testified before the Subcommittee to share his support for the bill and speak to the positive impact its passage will have on the Boys and Girls Club and the youth of Paducah. Mayor Bray’s testimony can be found here.
Below are Congressman Comer’s remarks as prepared for delivery:
Thank you, Chairman Tiffany, and Ranking Member Neguse.
I am proud to speak today in support of my bill, H.R. 1276, which would return a parcel of land back to the City of Paducah, Kentucky.
I am honored to serve the people of Paducah and McCracken County in Congress.
An integral part of their community, the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club, is located on the land that is specified in this bill.
For over sixty years, the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club has been a force for good in Paducah and has had a positive impact on thousands of children who have come through its doors.
Today, the Boys and Girls Club is experiencing increased demand and a strain on their services. As a result, the current facility is no longer large enough, leading to a waiting list of over 100 children.
The City has owned the land since 2012, with the National Park Service retaining an interest in the property following the transfer, because of the City’s participation in the Federal Lands to Parks Program.
Passing H.R. 1276 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 its facilities.
I am grateful to the Mayor of Paducah, George Bray, for being here today to share his support for the bill and speak to the positive impact its passage will have on the Boys and Girls Club and the youth of Paducah.
I appreciate the mayor and the city’s collaboration on this effort.
The club, the City of Paducah, and community members stand ready to support the expansion and renovation of the building.
Still, the remaining restriction from the Park Service has been an obstacle to raising the necessary funds and executing the project.
There is no time to waste in making this common-sense fix to enable this project to move forward.
H.R. 1276 is a result of collaboration with the City of Paducah, the National Park Service, and other local stakeholders to ensure that the federal government’s unnecessary role in this property is no longer an obstacle.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank Senator Paul for introducing the Senate companion bill, S. 601, and Senator McConnell for being an original cosponsor.
I look forward to working with them to get this bill across the finish line and to the President’s desk.
I have two letters of support from local leaders in Paducah, State Representative Randy Bridges and former State Representative and Past Chair of the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Brent Housman, who recognize the significant impact H.R. 1276 will have on the community.
I ask unanimous consent to have these letters entered into the record.
Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity to join you today and urge the swift passage of H.R. 1276.
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Comer Introduces Legislation to Remove Federal Government Restrictions on Paducah, Kentucky Property