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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) – Leaders in Lincoln are concerned that Logan Correctional Center will be abandoned when the state moves people inside the facility to Crest Hill. However, Gov. JB Pritzker says he is committed to economic development in Lincoln.
Talks about the potential closure of Logan Correctional Center heated up in 2024, but local and state leaders know the long-term plan is now reality. Logan will remain open during construction of the suburban facility, yet many fear the city will suffer when it closes.
“This is not the administration of 20 years ago that abandons properties,” Pritzker said Tuesday. “In fact, our desire here is to use every resource we have in the state of Illinois to grow our economy.”
The governor made a similar promise last year when lawmakers approved funding to demolish the Lincoln Developmental Center. This Surplus to Success plan could help develop the space for economic development hubs.
Still, Sen. Sally Turner (R-Lincoln) said closing Logan is the wrong move for staff, people residing there and the greater community.
“I don’t feel like anyone in Logan County was heard in order to make a decision that was not only feasible financially, but in the best interest of the economy of central Illinois,” Turner said.
Pritzker said Illinois needs to do everything possible to make facilities safe for correctional officers and prisoners. He also stressed the new prisons need to help rehabilitate people.
“So, we’re making the investments that I think are proper,” Pritzker said. “Hopefully, we’re going to make it so that families that have prisoners in the state of Illinois are closer to those prisoners.”
But Turner said there are strong relationships with colleges, healthcare centers and community groups that help people in Logan now.
“What makes the rehabilitation of an individual better in northern Illinois compared to central and southern Illinois?” Turner asked. “I don’t know the difference.”
Logan County leaders also hope the Pritzker administration provides answers on plans for closing the center sooner rather than later.