Downeast Correctional closure could cost Washington County $8M
The impact of the closure of the Downeast Correctional Facility on Washington County's economy could be as much as $8.4 million.
“The job losses are significant,” Sunrise County Economic Council’s Executive Director, Charles Rudelitch told the Ellsworth American. “We think there’s going to be an $8 [million] to $8.4 million economic loss to the community … That is significant in our area, because we are a smaller labor market.”
Many of the jobs at the facility in Bucks Harbor are skilled, so it will be difficult for former jail staff to find work in the Machias area, he said.
Sharon Mack, the executive director of the Machias Bay Chamber of Commerce, said local businesses relying on work release inmates were having trouble with the sudden loss of employees.
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