Senate State Government Committee to Discuss Pre-Release Center

HARRISBURG – A public hearing has been scheduled for Monday, August 3, 11 a.m., at the Schuylkill Training and Technology Center, to discuss a plan to sell state land for a county run pre-release center, according to State Senator David G. Argall (R-29).

House Bill 792, introduced by Representative Neal Goodman (D-123), would grant and convey 5-acres in Ryan Township adjacent to the Frackville State Correctional Institution owned by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) to Schuylkill County. The bill has been approved by the House and is now under review by the Senate State Government Committee.

"It's necessary to complete a comprehensive review of the land transfer," said Senator Chuck McIlhinney (R-10), Chairman of the State Government Committee. "We'll need to determine if it's the right thing to do for the taxpayers of Schuylkill County."

County officials have been advocating the pre-release center as an answer for the overcrowding problem within the Schuylkill County Prison. A pre-release center would allow some nonviolent prisoners to participate in work release programs rather than spending time in the prison. The legislation would authorize DGS to sell the tract of land at a cost of $48,000.

"I understand that this issue has been the subject of considerable review by Schuylkill County officials. It's very appropriate that we seek public input before any final decisions can be made by the Senate," said Senator Argall. "The Committee has promised a prompt review of this potential transfer."

Anyone wishing to submit written testimony can send their comments to: Senator Chuck McIlhinney, Chairman, Senate State Government Committee, Senate Box 203010, Harrisburg, PA 17120.