CLEARFIELD — The Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership gave its support to the Moshannon Valley Processing Center at Tuesday’s workshop meeting of the Clearfield County Commissioners.
The MVPC, located in Decatur Township, is a private 1,800-bed facility owned and operated by the GEO Group as a detention facility for the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
MVEDP Executive Director Josiah Jones said the MVPC provides important economic benefits to the region.
“Having the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in our community is incredibly important, not only because it provides hundreds of stable, family-sustaining jobs, but because it strengthens our entire local economy,” Jones said. “The facility’s significant investment in wages, local
businesses, and tax revenue creates a ripple effect that supports growth and opportunity throughout the Moshannon Valley region.”
According to Jones, the MVPC has 411 employees with 93 percent residing in the local area. Plus, he said the MVPC has a total local economic impact of $42.2 million with $5.5 million spent on small local businesses.
He said the facility pays $688,000 in local property taxes, $200,000 in management fees to Clearfield County, $370,000 in sewage fees to Decatur Township and $302,000 in local earned income taxes.
Commissioner John Sobel asked Jones what is the source of these statistics and Jones said the statistics came from the public relations department of the GEO Group.
“The economic impact of the MVPC cannot be overstated. From supporting more than 400 local employees to generating millions in local spending and public revenue, the facility plays a vital role in keeping our communities strong,” Jones said. “Just as importantly, their ongoing community engagement and charitable efforts reflect a deep commitment to being a positive and contributing neighbor here in Philipsburg.”
Jones said the MVPC provides six annual scholarships to local students pursing higher education, raised $7,000 for the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging in 2025 and delivered 500 meals to local residents.
Jones also said the MVPC has supported the Salvation Army through its holiday bell ringing volunteer efforts and partnered with Children, Youth and Family Services to provide holiday gifts to children in placement.
Commissioner Tim Winters, chairman, said their charitable outreach programs largely go unrecognized and he said these efforts are largely organized by employees at the facility.
“They’re a good member of the community,” Winters said.
Jones also noted that the facility has accreditation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Detention Oversight and the American Correctional Association, the National Commission on Correctional Health Care and compliance from the Prison Rape Elimination Act. He
said regular oversight from ICE and internal compliance teams ensures the facility is in alignment with national standards.
Jones said recent inspections from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Detention Oversight and the American Correctional Association resulted in zero negative findings.
Dr. Karen Blair, board president of the MVEDP, said the zero negative findings show the MVPC is one of the “stellar” facilities in the whole United States.
“They do a good job,” she said.
Jones also said the MVEDP serves the areas encompassing the Philipsburg-Osceola, West Branch and Moshannon Valley school districts, but it also works on projects that benefit the entire region.
“We do extend outside of that if there is a need,” Jones said. “Whatever is best for the community and the business community — we do what we can.”
Blair said the MVEDP said they recently have been holding luncheons with local businesses to improve networking in the local business community. She also said the MVEDP also works to provide training and education to local businesses.
Jones said the MVEDP is currently working on a strategic plan and during this process they have learned that manufacturing is improving in the area.
“Manufacturing has grown in the Moshannon Valley area,” Jones said. “And that is very important to know.”
Jones noted that companies in the Philipsburg such as DiamondBack Covers, APP (Advanced Powder Products) and PMG (Powder Metal Goldschmidt Group) are looking to expand, and the MVEDC is working on workforce development so local manufacturers can continue to grow.
Winters thanked Jones and Blair and the MVEDP for their efforts.
“You are definitely a valued resource to the entire Moshannon Valley,” Winters said.
