Measure to allow the transfer of property from the city to the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club passes U.S. House

A measure to allow the transfer of property from the City of Paducah to the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club has passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congressman James Comer introduced legislation to remove the restrictions and fully transfer the property to the Club. House Resolution 1276 would remove that guardrail, and it was passed in the U.S. House on Tuesday. The measure will move on to the Senate, where companion legislation was introduced by Senator Rand Paul and co-sponsored by Senator Mitch McConnell. Once it clears the Senate, it would go to President Trump’s desk to be signed.

The Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club is housed in the former National Guard Armory off Park Avenue. The City of Paducah took possession of the property from the Guard in a transfer of ownership. While the city owns the property, the one stipulation in that transfer is that the property can’t be transferred or sold.

Comer spoke on the House floor and said, “Unfortunately, a lingering federal interest in the property dating back to the City's involvement in the Federal Lands to Parks Program decades ago has impeded progress on an exciting renovation project for the local Boys and Girls Club.”

Comer added that he was pleased the resolution cleared the first hurdle and said, “I was proud to collaborate with the City of Paducah, the National Park Service, and local stakeholders to develop this legislative solution. I would also like to thank Senator Paul for introducing the Senate companion bill, S. 601, and Senator McConnell for being an original cosponsor of that legislation. I look forward to working with them to get this bill across the finish line and onto the President's desk.”