ALLOUEZ, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — In a surprise move, Gov. Tony Evers unveiled sweeping prison reforms for Wisconsin over the weekend.
It includes closing Wisconsin’s second-oldest prison, built in the 1800s, Green Bay Correctional Institution in Allouez.
There have been bipartisan calls to close Green Bay Correctional Institution for well over a decade as the prison has dealt with overcrowding, alleged abuse, and restrictions for inmates.
The roughly $500 million dollar proposal will be included in the governor’s executive budget request this week; but will have to be approved by the Republican-controlled legislature.
Wisconsin State Senator Jamie Wall released a statement Sunday morning on the proposed closing:
“The governor’s proposal to close the Green Bay Correctional Institution is part of a larger plan to reform the Department of Corrections which will save taxpayer dollars and improve public safety. My dad worked at GBCI for 34 years. My first priority will be to make sure the people who work there now have the support they need as they transition to new jobs at the Department of Corrections or elsewhere. I will also work with the Village of Allouez to redevelop the prison site to provide new housing our community needs.”
Allouez Village President Jim Rafter released the following statement:
There is finally a light at the end of the tunnel. I applaud Gov. Evers for putting forward an initial plan that includes a path to close Green Bay Correctional Institution (GBCI). The bipartisan coalition of Republicans and Democrats pushing for closure continues to grow. While this is just the first step in the process, I am hopeful we can all come together and find a consensus to do what has needed to be done for years.
GBCI is dangerous. Guards have been brutally assaulted. Inmates have been attacked and killed. It is not safe for our community. Madison owes it to the taxpayers of Wisconsin to finish this process and close GBCI once and for all. Today marks a positive step forward in that journey.
Evers’ budget will also ensure GBCI staff can transfer to different correctional facilities or to appropriate positions in their field without having to be rehired, according to the release.