Centre County, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) recently released a report detailing why it wants to close SCI Rockview and the Quehanna Boot Camp.
Secretary of Corrections Laurel Harry says she is weighing the options for both sets of facilities.
The DOC believes the closures will save the state "$10 million in the upcoming fiscal year, with savings exceeding $100 million in future fiscal years," according to a statement from the DOC. Two other state-run facilities are included in the proposed closures: Wernersville CCC in Berks County and Progress CCC in Waynesburg, Greene County.
The DOC cites SCI Rockview's age, its need of costly updates, lack of wheelchair accessibility, and the prison exceeding its capacity by about 400 inmates as reasons it should be closed. The prison employs 658 people, according to the report.
Quehanna Boot Camp, which employs 234 people, also needs updating that would cost the state millions, according to the DOC. The report also states that the boot camp's programming "can be relocated to other facilities."
“I know these decisions have a direct impact on our staff and supporting them through this process is a top priority,” said Secretary Harry. “Every single affected staff member will be guaranteed an offer of a job at their existing pay and classification.”
“I will carefully consider the committee’s recommendations and stakeholder feedback in the coming months," Secretary Harry added. "My team and I will conduct the process in a manner that is transparent and considerate of everyone impacted, including staff, the incarcerated population, and their loved ones, and the communities of Centre, Clearfield, and surrounding counties. The steering committee’s proposal calls for placement within 67 miles for any staff member at SCI Rockview or the Boot Camp.”
Takac defends local jobs
State Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, released the following statement in response to the DOC's recommendation:
“I am deeply surprised and concerned by the proposal from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to close both the State Correctional Institution Rockview and the Quehanna Boot Camp. Together, these facilities employ nearly 900 of our neighbors across Centre and Clearfield counties and beyond with good paying, union-supported jobs. The closure of these facilities could have significant negative impacts on not only the employees and their families, but our communities and local economy as a whole.
“I want to assure the families and communities potentially impacted by these recommendations that their voices are and will continue to be heard, and I will do everything I can for the best possible outcome for them and our entire region. It is vital that we fully understand the consequences of this proposal on our local economy and community wellbeing.
“I have already been in close contact with the governor’s team, other elected officials, and community and business leaders to learn more about what comes next. The Public Safety Facilities Act is very clear on the timeline and process needed to make a final decision to close facilities like these, requiring impact studies, protection for employees, and getting public input from the communities affected. I am going to make sure these provisions are followed to the letter, so everyone is informed, and the administration lives up to its responsibilities.
"As a member of the Rural Population and Revitalization Commission, I am well aware of the potential long-term economic impact of job losses, especially in rural communities. I am committed to doing everything possible to ensure that the interests and concerns of all those affected are heard loud and clear — especially the hard-working, highly trained staff — and that they are given the attention and every bit of support they deserve. If the closures happen, it wasn’t because of the staff. They deserve a fair deal.
"I have always believed that in every setback or challenge there is also opportunity. At this moment — while this news is still fresh — it is difficult to know what those might be, but rest assured that as this process plays out, I will do everything in my power to minimize any negative impacts and fight like hell to maximize all the resources and benefits available."
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