Kephart, Armanini, Langerholc Slam DOC Closure Recommendations

September 18, 2025

HARRISBURG – Today, state Reps. Dallas Kephart (R-Cambria/Clearfield) and Mike Armanini (R-Clearfield/Elk), as well as state Sen. Wayne Langerholc (R-35), criticized the Department of Corrections’ (DOC) official recommendation to close Quehanna Boot Camp and SCI Rockview. 

 “Quehanna is not only important to our community for the jobs it provides; it is also an effective criminal justice center to reform criminals and reduce recidivism rates,” stated Kephart. “According to a past DOC report, Quehanna saves the DOC approximately $11,400 per inmate, with over $104 million saved since 1992. Those are the facts.

“The DOC held hearings that we now know were nothing more than political showmanship. This is a gut punch to our communities,” continued Kephart.

“Much like the closures of Penn State satellite campuses, I worry these prison closures are an ill-conceived plan to reroute funding where it does not need to, and should not, go,” said Armanini. 

“I would strongly recommend that the Secretary not adopt this closure,” added Langerholc.

An official decision is expected at the end of this week.