Blair County puts $10,000 deposit toward prison land purchase
County issues $10,000 for property purchase; closing expected ‘soon’
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HOLLIDAYSBURG -- Blair County has made a $10,000 deposit toward purchasing the Duncansville area land where a new prison could be built but the process of acquiring the property continues to move slowly.
"We're probably not going to be able to close (the sale) by the end of the month," Commissioner Amy Webster said Thursday.
In late July, Webster referenced Aug. 31 as a hopeful closing date on the 83-acre wooded site above the former Inlow's restaurant, off Dunnings Highway, where a new prison could be built.
On Thursday, Webster spoke of ongoing efforts and what she described as "so many levels of review" by the corporation that currently owns the land.
When asked for a new potential closing date, Webster replied: "Soon."
In moving toward that goal, Webster said the county issued a $10,000 deposit toward the purchase. She also said the county has attorneys engaged in title search work. Prior to buying property, it's common for a buyer to commission a title search aimed at identifying unpaid debts and/or claims on a property. So far, the search has generated one mortgage release, Webster said.
While county leaders have talked for years about building a new prison to replace the aged structure on Mulberry Street, Webster and fellow commissioners Dave Kessling and Laura Burke initiated an effort a year ago to acquire the Duncansville-area site.
In a letter dated Aug. 14, 2025, on behalf of the county, Webster told Pennsylvania Terminals Corp. of the county's interest in its acreage for a large building project.
That letter was followed with additional letters clarifying the county's interest in buying two parcels for $585,000 which reflected their appraised value, as updated.
By law, the county is prohibited from paying more than the appraised value for property, unless it first secures court approval after presenting a valid reason.
Webster said Thursday that the county's offering price on the property hasn't changed.
Meanwhile, commissioners are continuing to look for an architectural/engineering firm to succeed GFT, formerly known as TranSystems Corporation Consultants of Pennsylvania.
In late July, commissioners terminated their agreement with GFT based on "irreconcilable differences" with company personnel and a desire to move on and work with another entity.
Webster said Thursday that four firms are being considered.
GFT, which arranged for the several environmental assessments of the proposed site, previously told the county that the land is suitable for the proposed prison and that utility services are available. The firm also rendered drawings and plans for a 150,000 square foot one-story facility with cells located on a ground floor and a mezzanine. Those plans also show the facility accommodating 454 inmates in nine housing units.
Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.