The Kewanee corrections site which Gov. Bruce Rauner is closing to young detainees will be converted to adult prisoner use.
The Republican's administration confirmed several lawmakers' announcement Friday that the 15-year-old facility won't be mothballed in July.
Corrections Department spokeswoman Nicole Wilson says the agency is just beginning to plan a transition as officials analyze best uses.
Rauner announced this year he would close Kewanee because of a declining population of incarcerated youth and a multibillion-dollar deficit.
Peoria Republican Sen. Chuck Weaver says western Illinois lawmakers will help Corrections use Kewanee effectively.
Anders Lindall is spokesman for the Kewanee staff union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees state council.
He says AFSCME is skeptical of the plan until it sees details.
