After strong public opposition, the Blair County Commissioners voted against a proposed site behind the Alto-Reste cemetery for a new prison. Commissioners have instead decided to look elsewhere for the new $100-million dollar prison. Commissioners had considered using eminent domain to acquire the 77 acres behind the cemetery, which resulted in a public backlash. In a prepared statement, Alto-Reste General Manager George Behrens said he was overwhelmed by the decision of the commissioners, and expressed gratitude and appreciation to the community for its help and support. The site behind the cemetery was one of three possible locations suggested by a feasibility study released in February.
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