SPRINGFIELD | Gov. Rod Blagojevich has proposed the state begin opening the maximum security wing of Thomson Correctional Center, which has gone mostly unused since being built in 2001.
The long-awaited opening could be coming while the state plans to close part of the maximum-security prison in Stateville at Joliet.
Blagojevich's proposal calls for $4 million more spent next year on the prison located in Thomson, which is near the Quad-Cities. The plan calls for about 250 employees to work there next year, up from 70 now.
Those 70 employees oversee about 200 minimum-security inmates at Thomson. Plans to expand Thomson's use were part of Blagojevich's budget proposal released Wednesday.
"That's wonderful, we've gotten the minimum security part filled out and we were getting a trickle into the max security, now it looks like it'll be speeded up," said state Rep. Mike Boland, D-East Moline.
Illinois Department of Corrections spokesman Sergio Molina said the administration plans to further open Thomson in 2010.
But news of Thomson's possible use comes with an administration plan to shutter part of the Stateville Correctional Center near Joliet this year. The maximum-security prison holds more than 3,000 inmates.
Department of Corrections spokesman Sergio Molina said about 1,500 inmates in the older section of the prison would have to be relocated elsewhere. About 400 employees would be offered jobs at other prisons, but might have to move to take them.
"I'm surprised they're able to get that done with all the clout the Chicago-area legislators have," said state Rep. Pat Verschoore, D-Milan.
State Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline, said Thomson's full use is "long overdue" but regretted the apparent decision to close part of Stateville.
"It's not the way you want to see something happen," Jacobs said.
State Sen. Debbie Halvorson, D-Crete, met with state officials on Wednesday morning and only then confirmed the Stateville news.
"When I don't see details, I get worried," Halvorson said.
A spokesman for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees said Illinois prisons are already overcrowded, so the idea of closing part of one down could cause a problem.
