Down East prison closure tabled
A state task force looking for $25 million in savings in the state budget has tabled a proposal to close Down East Correctional Facility in Buck's Harbor.
Members of the Streamline & Prioritize Core Government Services Task Force voted 10-2 to defer action on the proposal from Department of Corrections Commissioner Joseph Ponte, which he said would save the state $4 million, according to the Bangor Daily News. The task force deferred action on the proposal until Ponte returned with alternative recommendations for savings.
Down East lawmakers, including Sen. President Kevin Raye, opposed closing the facility and laying off its 68 employees because it's one of Washington County's largest employers. The closure would have impacted businesses that sell food and gas to prison employees, as well as community organizations that benefit from prisoners' work on their projects, according to MaineToday Media.
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