State lawmaker schedules sessions to get input on proposed closure of Rockview state prison
Centre County residents will have a handful of opportunities to tell a state lawmaker directly how they would be affected by the proposed closure of Rockview state prison and Quehanna Boot Camp.
State Rep. Paul Takac, D-College Township, said Tuesday he’s scheduled five sessions to hear from the community so he may “better tell their stories” to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration.
“For generations, Rockview and Quehanna have provided good-paying union jobs with benefits to over 900 of our hardworking friends, neighbors and loved ones,” Takac said in a statement. “And they, in turn, have supported our local economy and communities. I understand the importance of saving money, but any decision with that kind of potential impact must be a discussion, not a dictate.”
Each forum is scheduled for 5-6:30 p.m.
- March 21: Milesburg Community Center, 101 Mill St.
- March 27: Howard United Methodist Church, 144 Main St.
- March 31: Benner Township Municipal Building, 1224 Buffalo Run Road
- April 2: Schlow Centre Region Library, 211 S. Allen St.
- April 7: Snow Shoe Township Building, 268 Old Side Road
Those who would like to provide input but are unable to make one of the forums may call Takac’s office at 814-308-0569 or email RepTakac@pahouse.net. The state Department of Corrections can be reached at 888-316-8950 or ra-crdocclose@pa.gov.
“I will be there to hear your stories and get your feedback. I am committed to bringing those views back to the governor and his team so that they understand exactly what’s at stake,” Takac said. “I’m going to fight like hell for your best interests, to minimize any negative impacts, and to maximize all the resources and benefits available.”
Takac’s hearings are separate from the public hearing the DOC is required by state law to host. That hearing — which must take place in Centre County — has not yet been scheduled.
Centre County Commissioner Mark Higgins said Tuesday that the county was recently contacted by the DOC about the hearing. He said the meeting may occur in the “not too distant future,” but had no other details.
Commissioner Steve Dershem, meanwhile, thanked state lawmakers for their “interest in promoting the ongoing conversation” about the proposal. Their advocacy is “integral to the success of us keeping Rockview and Quehanna vibrant,” Dershem said.
The commissioners are also in the midst of writing a letter to Shapiro’s administration to advocate for the facilities to remain open.
“This is a long way from being resolved yet,” Dershem said. “I’m hopeful that we can turn this ship around and keep those facilities open.”
Shapiro’s administration has pitched its proposal as a way to save the state tens of millions of dollars in the face of shrinking state prison populations, high vacancy and turnover rates among corrections officers and massive overtime payments.
Rockview is the second-oldest among the nearly two dozen in the DOC system and the agency has said it would require $74 million in upgrades over the next five years if it were to remain open.
But the proposal is not without its critics.
When the decision was made public, Takac said he was “deeply surprised and concerned” about the proposal. State Sen. Wayne Langerholc, R-Cambria, said the proposal is “shortsighted, lacks common sense, and would cripple our local economy.”
“I stand in full opposition to this proposal and will utilize all available resources to ensure it does not occur,” Langerholc said in a statement earlier this month. “Corrections is a core governmental service. Besides ensuring the community’s safety, these facilities provide stable, family sustaining jobs that are essential to our local economy. ... I stand with all the men and women who put on the uniform daily and will work to put an end to this ill-conceived notion.”
Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association President John Eckenrode said the union that represents more than 10,000 workers would “vigorously fight against this misguided decision.”
“This proposal ignores how it will devastate the families of our members, who will now have their lives turned upside down, and the local communities that depend on these facilities for jobs and economic development,” Eckenrode said in a statement. “In nearly every case, a state prison is the primary economic development engine of its area.”
Nearly 660 people are employed at Rockview. If the proposal is implemented, the DOC said every affected staff member will be guaranteed a job offer at their existing pay and classification.
The soonest the prison could close is Sept. 10.
This story was originally published February 26, 2025 at 6:09 AM.