“During the last
state biennial budget
(2007-2009) the
penitentiary did its
fair share in reducing
expenses by eliminating
345 beds and
approximately 150 jobs.
No other Department
of Corrections facilities
in the state were asked
to implement these
types of cuts.”
Mike Fredrickson
Port of Walla Walla Commissioner |
As part of its ongoing business retention
efforts, the Port of Walla Walla has taken
a leadership role in the recently created
Washington State Penitentiary Community
Task Force. The purpose of the organization
is to highlight the economic value of WSP as
the State of Washington looks to reduce the
number of prison beds across the state because
of budget constraints.
The first draft of a study authorized by the
Washington State Legislature includes at least
one option that would result in closure of
the “main institution” in Walla Walla. That
recommendation is contingent on approval of
$41 million in capital funding to build a
medium-security and close-custody units along
with a kitchen expansion to compensate for
closure of the main prison’s kitchen facilities.
Authors of the draft report are quoted as
saying, “We don’t have all the data. When
the fi nal report is ready, we’ll be better
able to see whether the data supports the
recommendations.”
The state legislature commissioned the study
to identify elimination of 1,580 prison beds
statewide. The legislative language authorizing
the analysis also requires the study to look
at the geographic factors associated with the facility, including the impact of the facility on
the local economy, along with the economic
impact of any closures. |
Task Force members suggest that Walla
Walla has already done its fair share.
Port Commissioner Mike Fredrickson
said, “During the last state biennial budget
(2007-2009) the penitentiary did its fair share
in reducing expenses by eliminating 345
beds and approximately 150 jobs. No other
Department of Corrections facilities in the
state were asked to implement these types of
cuts.”
Port Commissioner Paul Schneidmiller
added, “I have been particularly impressed
with the professionalism of the correctional
offi cers and support staff at the Washington
State Penitentiary. They have been attending
task force meetings and offering excellent
insights into operating the penitentiary in a
safe and cost effective manner. They want to
be part of the solution.”
The community task force’s recently
produced report included that the penitentiary
accounts for 4.2 percent of total employment
in Walla Walla County and 5.7 percent of total
payroll.
|
PHOTOS: Port Executive Director Jim Kuntz presents the WSP Community Taskforce
report to city, county and Washington legislative leaders during an October, 2009 meeting at
the Walla Walla Regional Airport.