MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s historic Green Bay prison, the state’s second-oldest correctional facility established in the 19th century, is slated for closure under a significant proposal from Governor Tony Evers. This ambitious plan aims to revamp Wisconsin’s correctional system without the construction of a new prison, despite calls from some legislators for a new facility.

Governor Evers asserts that his proposal represents the most viable solution to tackle the challenges presented by outdated prisons that have faced issues such as inmate deaths, staff assaults—including one incident resulting in the death of a juvenile corrections officer, lockdowns, litigation, federal investigations, criminal accusations against personnel, staff resignations, and increasing maintenance expenses.

The comprehensive $500 million proposal, unveiled on Sunday to close the Green Bay facility, will require approval from the Republican-controlled Legislature that has historically rejected several of the Democratic governor’s initiatives while also supporting certain components in the past.

Governor Evers highlighted that his proposal is a more advantageous alternative to constructing a new adult prison project, which would not only take at least ten years to complete but would also exceed $1.3 billion in costs.

“This plan is as effective as it gets,” Evers stated during a briefing on Friday. He called on both Democrats and Republicans to collaborate in bringing the proposal to fruition. “We must see this through, period.”

Republican Senator Van Wanggaard, who leads the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed support for the closure decision but raised concerns about the overall plan’s financial and operational details, stating, “The devil is in the details. I’m not certain his calculations are accurate regarding expenses and the inmate population.”

Jim Rafter, president of Allouez Village, which is adjacent to Green Bay, remarked on the proposal: “This indeed feels like a glimmer of hope at the end of a long tunnel.” He added that while this may be an initial step in the process, he remains optimistic about finding common ground to achieve necessary changes.

Governor Evers emphasized that the current situation of running overcrowded and understaffed prisons is unsustainable. His multi-tiered strategy begins with the closure of the controversial Lincoln Hills and Cooper Lake juvenile facilities in Northern Wisconsin, with plans for a new center to be constructed near Madison at the site of an existing minimum-security prison. The Lincoln Hills site would subsequently convert into a medium-security adult facility, leading to the retirement of the 125-year-old Green Bay prison.

Additionally, the proposal suggests that Wisconsin’s oldest prison, located in Waupun and built in 1851, transition from maximum security to a medium security facility focused on vocational training for inmates. Meanwhile, Stanley Correctional Center would change from medium to maximum security, and the Hobart facility would be expanded to accommodate an additional 200 minimum-security beds.

Crucially, the plan aims to increase opportunities for individuals convicted of nonviolent offenses through enhanced earned release programs, enabling their earlier release.

Implementation of these measures is projected to unfold over the next six years.

Both political parties have long advocated for the closure of Waupun and Green Bay prisons; however, fears regarding job losses in local economies and the costs associated with building a new facility have posed significant challenges.

The Evers administration assured that no job losses would occur under the new plan.

He expressed hope that legislators would find common ground to support the proposed changes, reminiscent of their collaboration in 2017 to close the Lincoln Hills juvenile prison, which, eight years later, remains operational amid delays in fully realizing its closure.