PA House okays Pike PennDOT land swap

HARRISBURG — State Rep. John Siptroth, D-Monroe/Pike, said his legislation to grant Pike County state-owned land in Milford unanimously passed the House today. “This land exchange would serve as a perfect solution for both PennDOT and Pike County,” Siptroth said. “It is both advantageous and financially sound.” House Bill 2158 would authorize the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Department of Transportation and the governor, to grant Pike County 3.3 acres of land in Milford, which includes PennDOT’s Pike County maintenance facility, in exchange for 13.5 acres in Blooming Grove Township. The exchange would serve as a solution to Pike County’s problems with personnel space and storage constraints and provide additional parking areas, since the new land would be used to expand administrative offices. Many county departments must be located within Milford borough because it is the county seat, but land availability is scarce there. With the land exchange, PennDOT, in an effort to provide services more efficiently and effectively, would be more centrally located in Pike County. A new location for its maintenance shed has already been chosen. Siptroth noted that Rep. Mike Peifer, R-Wayne/Pike/Monroe, also supports the legislation. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.