Appleton community still wants to re-open the prison

The desire to get the closed Appleton Prison opened again has turned into debate and frustration.

The latest debate over the closed Prairie Correctional Facility found community members committed to urging legislators to support a state purchase of the facility, according to Dan Tosel, the city’s new mayor.

Tosel said the community is working with local legislators and is hoping for an opportunity to make its case for a state purchase during this legislative session.

According to Tosel, the community is frustrated that House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, D-Golden Valley, introduced legislation that would prohibit the Department of Corrections and counties from housing inmates in facilities that are not owned and operated by the state, a local unit of government, or a group of local governments.

A proponent of opening the prision, State Rep. Tim Miller, R-Prinsburg, said the legislation is an attempt to make the Appleton facility “obsolete and unable to operate in any way.”

Miller said he is worried that it is part of an effort to take the facility out of the equation and open the way for any new prison construction to be located in or closer to the metropolitan area.

Miller and State Sen. Andrew Lang, R-Olivia, have introduced legislation that would allow the state to purchase or lease the 1,600-bed facility owned by CoreCivic. It has not held inmates since February 2010.

It was the largest employer in Swift County with more than 300 jobs.