[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 115 (Tuesday, July 22, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    ROCKINGHAM COUNTY LAND TRANSFER

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                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2014

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation to 
transfer land from the United States to Rockingham County, Virginia. 
The County has long managed this land and associated buildings and has 
been responsible for all upkeep.
  In 1989, the Department of the Interior deeded this land, which it no 
longer used, to Rockingham County for public good. The County 
approached then Rep. Jim Olin in the 101st Congress to allow the 
buildings on this land to be used for the particular use of a non-
profit day care that serves the County. This resulted in PL 101-479. 
However, because of the narrow way this law was drafted, Rockingham 
County does not have true autonomy over the land and must check-in with 
the Department of the Interior when any repairs or upgrades of the 
facilities are needed. Given that the building is used for a child care 
facility, this added bureaucracy delays and impedes the ability of the 
day care to move efficiently to make any necessary upgrades.
  For over 25 years Rockingham County, Virginia has managed this land 
as if it belonged to the County. Although this land was already 
transferred to the county, it was not done effectively. This 
legislation will finalize the efforts of a previous Congress and fully 
transfer this land to the county. I ask all of my colleagues to join me 
in passing this legislation.

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