Spitzer administration to close four prisons

Source: AP

ALBANY, N.Y. - The Spitzer administration announced plans Friday to close one medium security prison and three minimum security camps as the inmate population keeps declining.

Camp Pharsalia in Chenango County, Camp McGregor in Saratoga County, Camp Gabriels in Franklin County and Hudson Correctional Facility in Columbia County currently have 939 inmates altogether and 584 full- and part-time staff, the Department of Correctional Services said. The three camps are about half full, while Hudson is close to capacity.

The inmates will be transferred and Corrections Commissioner Brian Fischer said layoffs aren't expected _ with each facility near at least one other prison, a factor in the choices. He discussed plans Friday with four affected unions. Projected savings are $33.5 million in the 2009-10 fiscal year, plus nearly $30 million in capital costs.

"Given the attrition rate of people retiring and whatnot, given the declining number of inmates, we believe we will have enough places to put everyone within our own department," Fischer said. The closings in January 2009 are authorized by a statute that requires making the announcement a year in advance, he said.




Read more: http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--prisonclosings0111jan11,0,3592044.story

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This is great news. But watch for the prison guards union to BITCH about it!

n/t

you read correctly...non-violent offenders.

n/t

do that? Now, closing prisons is quite an accomplishment.