Department of General Services Proposes Savings of $5.2 Million, Generation of Revenue Through Sale of Surplus Property

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nearly $5.2 million in annual carrying costs could be saved, in addition to the revenue generated through the proposed sale of 13 surplus properties in the commonwealth's 2013 Real Property Disposition Plan, state Secretary of General Services Secretary Sheri Phillips testified today before the Senate State Government Committee.

"The 13 properties in this year's plan make up the largest list since 1993," Phillips said. "This plan is just one component of an aggressive initiative the Department of General Services is undertaking to generate revenue for the commonwealth and reduce the burden on taxpayers who ultimately pay for the maintenance of unused buildings and properties."

Since Corbett took office in 2011, 36 surplus properties have been sold, bringing in nearly $29 million in non-tax revenue. Two more conveyances will occur between now and June 30, representing an additional $2.2 million. Equally important, the past sales represent more than $5 million in avoided expenses to maintain empty, unnecessary facilities and surrounding land.

Phillips noted the importance of having the plan approved in its entirety to allow DGS to move forward quickly with the marketing and sale of the properties and to no longer pay to heat, secure and maintain empty, unnecessary buildings.

"Because the plan is not yet approved, we are limited in what we can do to move forward," Phillips explained. "Doing nothing is not an option. The cost to Pennsylvania is too high. We need your input and support to pass this year's plan along with the other land conveyance bills without delay."

The department will testify before the House State Government Committee later this week, before submitting the plan to the governor for final approval by June 15. The entire General Assembly will vote on the plan later in the year.

To view the 2013 Real Property Disposition Plan, click on the following link or copy and paste into your browser: Http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/document/1334222/surplus_property_plan_final_5-1-13_pdf.

Media contact: Troy Thompson, 717-787-3197

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of General Services