ALLOUEZ, WI (WTAQ) – State Representative David Steffen is asking Governor Scott Walker and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections to fund an analysis and study of the Green Bay Correctional Institution.
He wants to compare the costs of maintaining the over 100-year-old facility versus relocating and constructing a new prison.
He spoke at a press conference at the Allouez Village Hall Thursday, alongside Village President Jim Rafter.
“When we’re putting $143 million into a 118 year old facility that has capacity issues, has control and carry issues…I think we need to be thinking seriously are we throwing the money in the wrong direction,” says Steffen.
The representative says there’s not a plan for maximum security inmates in the state of Wisconsin.
“When you are at capacity, there is nowhere else to go for these people. This is the end of the line when it comes to the criminal justice system,” Steffen explains.
Rafter says something needs to be done.
“The issue of safety of our community, the issue of the safety of our employees, and the inmates needs to be addressed.”
According to the letter Steffen sent Governor Walker, “a new facility would address costly capacity issues that all of Wisconsin’s maximum security facilities are currently experiencing. Most importantly, this study would provide the data necessary to determine if taxpayer dollars are better spent continuing to maintain this aging facility or if construction of a new, modernized, multi-functional facility is more prudent.”
In a statement released Thursday by the state Department of Corrections, communications director Tristan Cook said:
“The Department of Corrections is committed to the safety and security of staff and inmates in DOC custody. Secretary Litscher has visited GBCI several times to hear from front-line staff and leadership regarding GBCI and will continue to visit on a regular basis.DOC has submitted its biennial budget and capital budget requests to DOA for consideration, which include the department’s priorities for the coming biennium.Among the proposals in the Capital Budget request related to GBCI are renovations to the North and South Cell Halls and the construction of a new Health Services Unit and Psychological Services Unit, both of which will increase safety for staff and inmates.Secretary Litscher looks forward to working with front-line staff and leadership at GBCI to continue identifying and implementing safety and security enhancements in the coming biennium.”
The prison at 2833 Riverside Dr. houses roughly 1,000 offenders and is the second oldest maximum security prison in Wisconsin.
