Office of Open Records Grants Cook’s Appeal to Obtain LSA Records from Redevelopment Authority of Washington County

March 2, 2020

HARRISBURG – Rep. Bud Cook (R-Washington/Fayette) announced today that the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records (OOR) has granted his appeal to obtain records of Local Share Account (LSA) project grant recipients in Washington County.

“This is a big win for our constituents, my bosses of the 49th Legislative District and those seeking fair, accountable and transparent government in the Commonwealth,” said Cook. “I have been working tirelessly over the past three years to ensure that the LSA grant process in Washington County and throughout the Commonwealth is open and fair. Bringing gaming to Pennsylvania was sold to us as a way to significantly reduce our property tax bills, so we need to be extra careful with any monies diverted from that purpose.”

Cook submitted several requests to the Redevelopment Authority of Washington County seeking records of the Local Share Account project grant recipients. The Redevelopment Authority of Washington County denied every one of Cook’s three requests. He appealed the agency’s denial to the OOR. After reviewing the request, the OOR granted Cook’s appeal, requiring the Redevelopment Authority of Washington County to provide the requested public documents.

“The continual denials for public information from the Redevelopment Authority of Washington County speaks volumes…what are they trying to hide?” continued Cook. “The Right to Know Law empowers citizens by granting them access to information that involves the action and activities of government. I will continue my fight to ensure that this process is done fairly and responsibly.”

Cook also announced that he would be posting a related video and files relating to the LSA Review Process for public review within the next week. This information will include correspondence, Right to Know (RTK) request, materials obtained from RTK request and correspondence with other state agencies for assistance.

The Redevelopment Authority of Washington County has 30 days until this determination becomes final. During that time, they can appeal the determination to the Commonwealth Court.

Representative Bud Cook
49th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Brooke Haskell
717.260.6351
bhaskell@pahousegop.com
RepBudCook.com / Facebook.com/RepBudCook