It appears Minnesota will close Stillwater prison, the state's second largest correctional facility.
The announcement came as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders announced a new two-year budget agreement Thursday morning in St. Paul. The state plans to fully shut down the prison by June 30, 2029.
This proposal requires full legislative approval and must be signed into law by the Governor before any closure plan moves forward. The Department of Corrections is engaged in planning and preparation but no final decisions or actions will be taken until the legislation is enacted.
The prison was built in 1914 and the state believes it is not worth the expense to keep the crumbling infrastructure updated.
"It has become increasingly clear that MCF-Stillwater — due to its age, deteriorating condition, and significant ongoing maintenance needs — is no longer sustainable as part of Minnesota’s correctional system," reads a memo shared by the Department of Corrections. "Continued investment in this facility would not meet the state’s standards for safety, efficiency, or responsible resource management."
The facility is one step below maximum security and houses 1,200 currently, but has a capacity for 1,600.
There are about 450 people who work in the Stillwater facility and the state does plan to relocate them to other facilities. The closure will happen gradually, with incarcerated people transferred to other facilities in phases.
"We also acknowledge the uncertainty this brings to our dedicated Stillwater staff, whose professional lives are now in a period of transition," the memo from the DOC continues. "This process will affect everyone in this community, and we ask for mutual respect and patience as we navigate it together."