HARRISBURG – The Museum of Anthracite Mining would be conveyed to Ashland Borough as part of legislation approved by the Senate State Government Committee today, according to Senator David G. Argall (R-29).
Since 2006, the Borough of Ashland has kept the Museum open to preserve the area’s rich mining history and used office space in the Museum for borough hall.
“This bill is a win-win for all taxpayers,” Argall said. “The Borough currently pays all costs and utilities needed to operate the building and is willing to maintain the historic site without additional state support.”
Included in the proposal, Senate Bill 430, the state is guaranteed that the property is operated as a museum by the Borough. If not, the property would immediately revert to the state’s ownership.
Argall notes that it is difficult to sell state properties that contain a historic covenant due to costs.
“I applaud the Borough of Ashland for stepping up to the plate to take on this responsibility to preserve its historical designation,” Argall said.
The bill has the support of the Department of General Services, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Borough of Ashland.
The bill now heads to the Floor of the Senate for consideration.
Representative Neal Goodman (D-123) introduced House Bill 616, which mirrors Argall’s legislation, in the House of Representatives.