Langerholc proposes legislation to save Quehanna

(The Center Square) – As the clock continues to wind down for public input on the closure of State Correctional Institute Rockview and Quehanna Boot Camp, legislators are taking action to try to keep their doors open.

Sen. Wayne Langerhold, R-Johnstown, has announced that he’ll be introducing legislation to “modernize the statutory framework” of the boot camp and to assess cost saving and revenue-generating options.

“Quehanna Boot Camp and SCI Rockview are well-established, well-functioning, efficient facilities. They need to stay in operation,” said Langerholc. “I stand with all the men and women who put on the uniform daily and will continue to work to find alternatives to closure.”

The camp located in Clearfield County in Langerholc’s district, employs a six-month military style program to rehabilitate low-risk offenders who have the physical fitness required to engage in such a program. Langerholc says that the facility has a lower recidivism rate than any other Department of Corrections institute and produces more GED’s than any other, accounting for 30% of the total.

The minimum security prison doesn’t even have a fence around it, a testament both to its remote location and its efficacy. It’s home to over 300 inmates and employs over 200 staff members.

The Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association has spoken out strongly against the closure of Quehanna and SCI Rockview, which are just 40 miles apart in a region of the state where an hour’s drive is a typical length between destinations. They say the economic vacuum that would be left by the closures could have devastating consequences.

Employees affected by the closures have been promised comparable roles elsewhere, but current vacancies don’t indicate a wealth of options. Many will likely be faced with the choice to move out of the area or end their careers in corrections.

Several corrections workers and legislators have expressed concern that if restructuring occurs in light of facilities being below capacity today, fluctuations in the inmate population could lead to overcrowding and poor living conditions in the future. They’ve also cited the unsuccessful closure of other facilities as well as state prisons as examples of empty buildings that continue to be drags on the commonwealth.

The plan to move forward with closures was announced in February. The announcement started the clock for public input about the decision, which is collected over three months before a final decision is made. Legislators, community members, and advocates are now just over a month from that deadline.

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections will hold a listening session on the governor’s proposed closure of Quehanna Boot Camp on Thursday, April 10, at 5 p.m. at Community Alliance Church, Karthaus.