DGS Property Sales Plan Could Net $9.3 Million; Cut Costs by $3.6 Million

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania could generate up to $9.3 million through the sale of five unused properties, Department of General Services Secretary Sheri Phillips said today as she appeared before the Senate State Government Committee to present the state's 2012 Real Property Disposition Plan.  

"In this time of tightening budgets, we face the challenge of finding ways to increase revenues coming into the state while reducing our costs of doing business," Phillips said. "This plan presents an excellent opportunity to bring in revenue and return these properties to the tax rolls, where they can contribute to the revitalization of our economy."

Phillips asked committee members to approve the plan without amendment, noting the sale of those properties would also save the state more than $3.6 million in annual maintenance costs.

"Approval of this plan by the General Assembly will not only allow us to generate income on the properties, it will also guarantee that taxpayers will no longer continue to pay more than $3.6 million annually for heating, securing and maintaining empty, unnecessary buildings," Phillips said.

The former facilities and properties being considered for sale are:

• Scotland School for Veterans Children in Greene Township, Franklin County. The property consists of 166 acres of land and 70 buildings.
• Allentown State Hospital in the City of Allentown, Lehigh County. The property consists of 165 acres of land and 30 buildings.
• Weaversville Secure Treatment Facility in East Allen Township, Northampton County, consisting of 16 acres of land and three buildings.
• Fort LeBoeuf Museum in the Borough of Waterford, Erie County. The property consists of 1.18 acres of land and one building.
• A parcel on the DGS Annex (formerly Harrisburg State Hospital) in Susquehanna Township and the City of Harrisburg, Dauphin County. The property consists of 7.8 acres of land and three unused residential homes.

Under Governor Tom Corbett's direction, DGS has taken an aggressive approach to selling surplus property, with 22 properties sold bringing in more than $25.5 million in non-tax revenue. 

After hearings are held by the Senate and House State Government Committees, the Department of General Services will submit the plan to the governor for final approval by June 15. The entire General Assembly will vote on the plan later this year.

Media contact: Troy Thompson, 717-787-3197

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of General Services

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