ALLOUEZ, WI — A bipartisan group of area lawmakers are renewing their call to close the Green Bay Correctional Institution. A letter to Secretary of Corrections points to the age of the facility, the added expense of maintenance, and Allouez’s desire to redevelop the site as reasons to close the prison and build a new facility within Brown County. State Senate Minority Leader Melissa Agard of Madison says she would need to see more details before giving it her support.
“There are holes in the details without policy making,” Agard said. “I haven ‘t seen a policy proposal, pen-to-paper, at this point. But I look forward to being able to see that and being part of the team that figures out the best solution.”
Allouez Village President Jim Rafter says studies show they could add up to 150-million dollars in economic development on the prison site.
“In a perfect world, I hope this budget cycle commits to closing GBCI and finding a path forward,” Rafter said. ”
Governor Tony Evers has not indicated if his proposed state budget will include funding to close GBCI and build a replacement facility.
