Takac bitterly disappointed by announcement to close SCI Rockview, Quehanna Boot Camp
Vows to remain a vigilant advocate for community
Rep. Paul Takac September 17, 2025 | 2:33 PM
STATE COLLEGE, Sept. 17 -- State Rep. Paul Takac today issued the following statement on the announcement of the final report by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to recommend closure of SCI Rockview and the Quehanna Boot Camp:
“I am thoroughly disappointed, frustrated and angry. The negative impacts of this misguided and harmful decision to close SCI Rockview and Quehanna will hit immediately, and, for many, the ripples will continue to resonate for a lifetime.
“I, along with many others – on both sides of the aisle – lobbied and advocated for months to keep both facilities open. From the moment our community learned about the initial recommendations in February, I have done everything I could to try to prevent this from happening and to mitigate the harm that it would cause, including holding multiple public forums in our community, talking directly to our neighbors, holding dozens of meetings and conversations with Corrections and other agencies, as well as speaking directly with the administration, even as recently as late last week.
“Unfortunately, those arguments fell on deaf ears, and we are left with this misguided decision made by out-of-touch bureaucrats in Harrisburg who failed to meaningfully engage with the public beyond minimum requirements and who did not even care to visit the facilities before recommending their closure.
“Despite this announcement, I continue to urge Corrections Secretary Laurel Harry and Governor Shapiro to reverse course and to keep Rockview and Quehanna open. I also continue to insist that the DOC does everything possible to provide help and support for all affected employees and their families, as well as those incarcerated there.
“If the department and administration continue to ignore us and insist on going down this road, then we must make sure the closures are done in a way to help the community, not cause even more harm.
“The process of closing the facilities and divesting the 5,700 acres surrounding Rockview must be fully open and transparent. I will continue to insist that the state not make backroom sweetheart deals or fail to receive fair value or compensation for any land transfers or sales. Further, any future uses or transfers must take into account a significant public and community benefit because that land belongs to us, the people of Pennsylvania, held in trust, and any future changes or decisions must fully take that into account.
“I insist that the costs of moth-balling and ongoing maintenance be minimal and that the facilities will not become abandoned and blighted, or ever become a burden borne by local taxpayers.
“This decision is a slap in the face to the brave, hard-working officers and staff who not only keep us safe but also help the incarcerated people in their custody and care. Because of their work, a long-standing record of success put them among the top-performing institutions in the entire state corrections system.
“This decision will have devastating consequences for many families and our local communities. It will take an incredible personal toll on the workers and their families. The longer, more costly, and more dangerous commutes these workers may have if transferred to another facility will also impact responsibilities and opportunities to give back to others, such as volunteering for the local fire and EMS services and community organizations.
“This decision also hurts the inmates by disrupting continuity of care, from healthcare services to behavioral or mental health treatment, to participating in rehabilitative programs. Many will be forced to reintegrate and re-acclimate in a new facility, which could have serious physical and emotional consequences.
“While I am bitterly disappointed in this decision to close these facilities, I am determined to continue to fight for our community as the next chapter unfolds.
“As always, I encourage constituents to call me at 814-308-0569 or email me at reptakac@pahouse.net for questions, concerns or help on this or any issue.”