1/9/17
by News Department on 01/09/172 State prisons to close...
Pennsylvania prison officials say they plan to close two state run facilities, citing a decline in inmate numbers, among other factors.
The Wolf administration announced Friday, that the two will be chosen from a list of five prisons which include Frackville, Mercer, Pittsburgh, Retreat and Waymart.
The state prison population which was close to 52,000 in 2012 is now just over 49,000.
Another factor in the closings is that room for an additional 1,000 inmates recently became available at Camp Hill State Prison.
The Wolf administration said all staff will be offered transfers to other facilities.
The decision about which two facilities will close will be made Jan. 26.
