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Thomson Could Be Ready In Two Years

Thomson Correctional Center

A northern Illinois prison could reopen in two years.  President Obama's budget proposal includes $166 million dollars for the Thomson Correctional Center and two other prisons. if fully funded by Congress, the proposal would cover the cost of upgrades, equipment, and staffing at the facility.

In a news release, U.S. Senator Durbin says the activation of Thomson would create more than 1,000 jobs and bring millions of dollars in new economic activity to the area.

“It’s very clear today that President Obama views the activation of Thomson prison as a high priority for America’s prison system” - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin

The federal government bought the lock-up in 2012. The Obama administration backed off of a controversial plan to house detainees from Guantanamo Bay at Thomson.

Long Dormant

The prison was completed in 2001. Under state control, the maximum security prison sat empty for years and eventually housed only minimum-security prisoners before it was sold to the federal government.

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