Department of Corrections Secretary John Wetzel announced that the agency will replace two older state prisons by opening the newly-constructed State Correctional Institution at Benner Township – a move that will save taxpayers $23 million in fiscal year 2013-14 and more in future years.

Tentatively, the plan is to shortly begin closing the State Correctional Institution at Cresson, Cambria County, and State Correctional Institution at Greensburg, Westmoreland County, and to complete the process by June 30.

“We have always been committed to replacing old capacity with new capacity,” Wetzel said. “Under Governor Tom Corbett’s leadership, we are committed to obtaining a greater public safety return on our investment.