As we continue to follow the plans to close several state correctional facilities, including the Rockview State Prison in Centre County, it is being reported that not everybody in the county is opposed to the proposal.
Monday’s announcement about the state recommending to close Rockview did take many, including the Centre County commissioners, by surprise.
“The commissioners will be appealing to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and the governor to keep the facilities open. If the facilities are to be closed, we ask that the public safety act of 2018 be enacted, with the law requiring impact studies.”
But county administrators urged not to make a knee-jerk reaction.
“Wait to render any potential comment on the potential closure until you have the facts.”
As a prison society member, Janet Irons has been in Rockview, working with inmates. She says the prison has numerous infrastructure problems and if it is closed, it would have a lesser impact here, compared to some other state prisons that are at the heart of their local economies.
“If this was SCI Forest, or Huntingdon or Houtzdale, the decision would be more complicated. I think there are many reasons as to why Rockview makes sense.”
But there are numerous concerns, including the ripple effect of the possible job losses at Rockview, along with what happens to the prison property, which includes thousands of acres.
“The economic impact will be significant, that’s first. Secondly, it’s the home to some of the largest and most pristine farmland in our county.”
Rockview is the second oldest state prison in Pennsylvania. The Department of Corrections says there will now be a three month public input period before a final decision is made on the
recommended closing.