Legislation to allow U.S. Army Reserves to lease Johnstown building passes

CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Legislation that authorizes the State Armory Board to lease the Johnstown Walters Avenue Readiness Center to the United States Army Reserve has passed.

Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) and Rep. Jim Rigby (R-71) announced the passage of the legislation on Thursday, July 11. The Johnstown Walters Avenue Readiness Center is owned by the state and was used by the Pennsylvania National Guard in support of their mission for more than 68 years.

“Today’s authorization ensures that the Walters Avenue Center will remain a military installation, will not close, and will keep these jobs in our area. In negotiating this vital legislation, we were able to establish new opportunities for the PA National Guard, United States Army Reserve, and our area,” Langerholc said. “It was a pleasure to work alongside Rep. Rigby in delivering this result.”

In exchange for this lease to the U.S. Army Reserve, the PA National Guard will be able to utilize vital hangar space at the Johnstown Cambria County Airport. This new location will also provide new opportunities for the PA National Guard and the airport.

“I am proud and grateful to have worked with Sen. Langerholc to secure authorization for Walters Avenue,” Rigby said. “The center will continue to service the PA National Guard, in addition to the U.S. Army Reserve, and serve our constituents with the economic activity and jobs which come from having a military installation. This authorization is a win for Pennsylvania and especially for residents of Senate District 35 and House District 71.”

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The legislation now heads to Governor Josh Shapiro’s desk for his signature.

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