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Centre County commissioners discuss drafting letter to DOC over proposed Rockview, Quehanna closures, cite potential economic impact
Summary
Commissioners said they will work with county staff to draft a letter asking the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to reconsider proposals to close Rockview and Quehanna correctional facilities. They cited potential job and supply‑chain impacts and asked for detailed local impact data before any closure proceeds.
Commissioners discussed a possible formal response to recent proposals by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to close state correctional facilities, including Rockview and Quehanna. The board directed staff to begin drafting a letter asking the DOC to reconsider and to include Centre County in planning discussions if closures proceed.
During the discussion commissioners stressed the need for data on local economic and social impacts. A county official cited an estimate mentioned in the meeting that about 897 jobs are associated with the two facilities and noted the broader effect on vendors, service providers and families. Commissioners also referenced the county's low unemployment base (about 2,100 people described during the meeting) and said the loss of family-sustaining jobs merits careful review.
Commissioners asked for answers to several questions should the DOC move forward: what is the long-range plan for the facility and grounds; how will staff and inmate placements be managed; and what supports will be available for affected workers and local businesses. They said a coordinated message to legislators and DOC leadership is appropriate and that county staff should gather data on employment, vendor relationships and community impacts.
The board did not take a formal vote on the matter during the public meeting, but commissioners signaled urgency and requested staff and legal review to inform a follow-up letter and potential engagement with state legislators and other stakeholders.
