West Central PA News

Pennsylvania Senate State Government Committee Majority Chairman Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) has announced an offsite public hearing in Centre County to address the issue of eminent domain abuse and its impact on private property rights. The hearing, scheduled for Monday, will focus on the fair market value of confiscated private properties under Pennsylvania's Eminent Domain Code.

One of the key concerns that will be addressed during the hearing is the protection of farm owners whose agricultural properties are seized through eminent domain. Chairman Dush's legislation, Senate Bill 800, aims to ensure that farmers are fairly compensated for any land they are forced to sell. This legislation seeks to restore the fundamental rights of enjoying life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as specified in Article 1, Section 1 of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

The public hearing will feature testimonies from individuals who have been directly impacted by eminent domain confiscation. Jess Darlington, a Centre County resident and farmer threatened by eminent domain due to PennDOT's Route 322 connector project, will share their experience. Andy Bater, a member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau's board of directors, will also provide insights into the impact on farmers. Additionally, Scott Jacobs, a small business owner affected by eminent domain, will share their perspective.

The hearing will take place on Monday, January 22, starting at 11 a.m. at 301 N. Spring Street, Bellefonte, PA. For those unable to attend in person, the public hearing will be live-streamed online.

For more information, contact Ty McCauslin, Communications Director at 717-787-7084 or tmccauslin@pasen.gov.