Madison, WI – A three-year independent analysis of Wisconsin’s 36 prisons released last week confirms similar evaluations that the 122-year-old Green Bay Correctional Institute (GBCI) has fully exceeded its operational lifespan. The analysis led by the engineering and architectural firm BWPR was funded in 2018 with a $600,000 state budget allocation initiated by State Representative David Steffen (R-Howard), who released the following statement.
“The debate is now over” said Steffen. “The time to move forward with the decommissioning of GBCI is here.”
Steffen has led the effort to decommission GBCI for over five years, after discovering a similar state-funded facility report from 2009. “When I discovered the 2009 report that clearly indicated the failing and costly situation with GBCI, I knew it required a solution” said Steffen. “As state leaders, we can either ignore challenges or face them head on. I wasn’t willing to walk away from my responsibilities to address this challenge, just because it was difficult.”
While Governor Evers was unwilling to support Steffen’s initial proposal in the last biennium, he is confident that his proposal will find success in upcoming budget negotiations.
“I’m now equipped with updated data and new options to address this situation,” said Steffen. “BWBR has outlined some compelling new options that would not require a new prison.”
As a part of the 400-page report, BWBR provided multiple options to handle current and future inmate bed count needs through expansions at one or more of the current facilities – all of which will save the taxpayers even more money than Steffen’s original proposal.
“The cost-effective solutions provided by the experts is the most exciting part of the report.” said Steffen. “In my opinion, the path is now clear. It’s time to act.”
Contact Rep. Steffen’s office at 608-266-5840 or Rep.Steffen@legis.wi.gov to receive a copy of the full report and summary of report highlights relating to GBCI.
