Bill Closing State's Youth Prison and Constructing a New Prison Heading to Governor's Desk

Thursday, March 10th, 2022 -- 10:42 AM

(Bob Hague, WRN) Governor Tony Evers is expected to sign legislation to close the state’s youth prison in northern Wisconsin.

Tuesday’s state Senate vote is the latest step in what’s been a protracted process. The Legislature voted four years ago to close the Lincoln Hills/Copper Lake youth prisons in Lincoln County, but failed to provide state funding for a replacement facility.

The bill approved by the Senate authorizes the state to borrow 42 million dollars for design and construction of a new youth prison in Milwaukee County, although a site would need approval by local governments. The current youth prisons would be converted to house adult prisoners.

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