[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 11 (Thursday, January 19, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




WILKES-BARRE SOCIAL SECURITY CENTER FOR DATA OPERATIONS CELEBRATES 50TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 19, 1995

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th 
anniversary of the Wilkes-Barre Center for Data Operations of the 
Social Security Administration. This facility provides employment for 
more than 1,000 residents in my district.
  Although the facility is now housed in a brand-new, state-of-the-art 
complex, this was not always the case. In the early 1980's, the Social 
Security Administration sought to consolidate and modernize its 
operations in Wilkes-Barre, which at that time were scattered about 
several buildings in the area. The operation needed more space and the 
possibility existed that the entire operation would leave northeastern 
Pennsylvania.
  After several setbacks in finding a location for a new facility, I 
testified before the Appropriations Committee on the need for funding a 
new building. In the fall of 1986, the House and Senate approved my 
amendment to provide funding for a brand new facility in the Wilkes-
Barre area.
  For almost 2 years, problems were encountered in finding an 
appropriate site for the new facility. Then, in late 1988, I worked 
with Governor Robert Casey and State senators and representatives to 
draft legislation to sell 200 acres of land in Plains Township to the 
Greater Wilkes-Barre Industrial Fund which would convey 35 acres to the 
GSA for construction of the building. In the months to follow, GSA 
determined that the construction of the new facility would actually 
save more than $9 million over the life of the facility. More funding 
was appropriated for the project in 1990. In continued partnership 
between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Federal Government, 
the appropriate State legislation was passed, and in late 1990, the 
legislation for the transfer of the land from the Commonwealth to the 
industrial fund was signed into law. In 1991, the site for the new 
building was announced to the public.

  Mr. Speaker, one of the proudest moments of my tenure in Congress 
came on November 29, 1993 when I joined Federal, State, and local 
officials in dedicating the new Social Security Center in Plains 
Township. Dedicating the facility signified the realization of a goal 
which I set when I was first elected to Congress. This new building 
assured the continued presence of the SSA in my district and secured 
more than 1,000 jobs for my constituents.
  The building stands today as a tribute to the work ethic of the 
people I serve. It is also a monument to the cooperation and 
partnership possible among the Federal, State, and local governments. I 
am extremely pleased to congratulate the WBDOC on its 50th anniversary 
and to have this opportunity to thank the Social Security 
Administration again for its continued faith in the people of 
northeastern Pennsylvania.

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