TOGO, MN-- Local and state leaders in Northern Minnesota are speaking out against plans to close down two correctional facilities in the region.
In total, more than 100 jobs could be lost, and a program that helps get inmates lives back on track.
On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Corrections announced plans to close state correctional facilities in Togo and Willow River to address an approximately $14 million budget deficit.
According to Greta Drewlow, Mayor of Effie, the closure will impact many families in the area.
“I have friends that work out there and some of them are the only income for the family. So it’s going to hurt them,” Drewlow said.
State leaders are also seeing the impact a closure will have.
Rep. Julie Sandstede, a DFL Party member from Hibbing, said the region has already faced challenges and the closure of the facilities will exacerbate them.
“In Northeastern Minnesota the backbone of our economy is mining and timber. Right now those two industries are basically on life support. Our small businesses are struggling,” said Sandstede
But it’s not only the economic impact Rep. Sandstede is thinking about.
“It allows people to get away from the noise in their life, the rush, the stresses that may be contributing to some poor choice-making in their lives,” said Sandstede
The facility is one of several facilities in the state that is home to a six-month rehabilitation boot camp that had proven successful.
“They have a plan for them to succeed rather than sending them back into their environment,” Sandstede added.
While area lawmakers want to see the prison stay open it's unclear what exactly will happen.
But as of now, the plan is to close up shop in the not too distant future.
But it’s not only the economic impact Rep. Sandstede is thinking about.
“It allows people to get away from the noise in their life, the rush, the stresses that may be contributing to some poor choice-making,” said Sandstede
The facility is one of several facilities in the state that is home to a six-month rehabilitation boot camp that had proven successful.
“They have a plan for them to succeed rather than sending them back into their environment,” Sandstede added.
While area lawmakers want to see the prison stay open it's unclear what exactly will happen.
As of now, the plan is to close up shop in the not too distant future.
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Closure of Minnesota Correctional Facility Togo could impact rural communities - KBJR 6
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