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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Ken Smith |
  
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House passes Smith bill for $11 million transportation hub in Scranton
HARRISBURG, June 26 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Ken Smith, D-Lackawanna, which would transfer land to be developed for an $11 million new intermodal transportation center for Lackawanna County.
Smith said his legislation (H.B. 2306) would amend Act 3 of 2007 which authorizes the state Department of General Services to convey two tracts of land to the County of Lackawanna Transit System Authority (COLTS). The two tracts are part of a parking lot at the Scranton State Office Building.
"My bill would make possible an intermodal transportation facility in Lackawanna County that would provide better public transportation alternatives for our citizens," Smith said. "By constructing the transportation hub we would also be creating more jobs and stimulating the economy in the area."
Act 3 of 2007 authorized the land transfer. However, a provision in the law required the land transfer to occur in one year and that time had lapsed. Smith's measure reauthorizes the land transfer for the transportation center.
Smith said the center will be situated on two acres along Lackawanna Avenue between Mifflin Avenue and Bridge Street.
"With the skyrocketing gas prices, it's a relief to know that we will be able to rely on a better mass transit system to commute to work or to other locations," Smith said.
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