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| Prison savings mean greater burden for DNR |
| By tdn.com |
| Published: 01/25/2010 |
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Gov. Chris Gregoire plans to close three minimum-security prisons — including Larch Mountain Correctional Facility in Yacolt near Vancouver — and make other changes as part of a statewide plan to save money. But critics say the plan could actually end up costing more money. According to a consultant's study in October, reducing the number of prisons will save taxpayers $65 million over the next four years. But the state Department of Natural Resources, which trains and uses Larch inmates to fight fires, plant trees and maintain forests, may have to contract out these services when Larch closes in June, said Rex Hapala of the DNR's Pacific Cascade Region. Legislators from the 18th District sent Gregoire two letters objecting to the proposed closure, calling it "penny wise and pound foolish." "I believe state government needs to consolidate in order save money," said Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, in a news release. "But that consolidation has to create actual savings, not just perceived savings. Or, as is possible with the Larch closing, an actual increase in overall costs." Read More. |
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