Commissioners say they disagree with state decision to close Rockview and Quehanna prisons; raise job and property concerns

Centre County commissioners said they disagree with the state decision to close two state correctional institutions—Rockview and Quehanna—and expressed concern about the impact on employees, families and local land use.

At the meeting commissioners said the closures affect approximately 850 workers and their families. Commissioners urged state and local partners, including the Centre County Chamber of Commerce, to assist affected employees with retraining and job placement and said the county will publicize local job openings.

Commissioners and other speakers also asked for more transparency about the future of the vacated facilities and surrounding land, noting the sites include buildings and other infrastructure that could have significant community value. One commissioner said the county should have an opportunity to weigh in on future plans for the property and requested that state officials provide clearer answers about next steps.

Why it matters: the closures reshape local economic and land-use questions for the county and may require coordinated workforce assistance and public planning about the use or disposition of state-owned property.

The board's remarks were part of routine reports and announcements; no formal county action on the state decision was taken at the meeting.