JOHNSTOWN, Pa. --


Though Congress has approved and President Barack Obama has signed into law a plan to close the National Drug Intelligence Center in Johnstown, local lawmakers are fighting to prevent the facility's closure.

Rep. Mark Critz and Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey are opposing the NDIC's closure. Lawmakers said they estimate it will be about six months before the future of the facility is definitively known and what's next for the 200 people who work there.

U.S. House leaders said they'll save taxpayers $34 million by shutting down the agency which, among other tasks, issues reports on drug trafficking in the nation.

Democrats Critz and Casey and Republican Toomey insist if the NDIC is closed, the government would be forced to spend more money to build the same resources elsewhere. The lawmakers are in ongoing talks with federal agencies like the attorney general's office to identify specific NDIC functions and programs that benefit other government agencies. They said those services could keep the facility open and employees working in Johnstown.

Critz, who represents the 12th District, said, "I can't say that I'm overly optimistic. We're still fighting. We think there's a glimmer of hope after this conversation with the Attorney General's Office.. There's a glimmer of hope. But, you know, it is what it is. Unfortunately, budgets all across America are being slashed. The timing couldn't have been worse for the NDIC."

As of Friday, there is $20 million slated for the NDIC in the appropriations budget, but that money is only to be spent on closing the facility down.

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