MILWAUKEE – In reaction to Gov. Evers’ and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections’ selection of a site for the Type 1 Youth Facility in Milwaukee, ensuring the future closure of the troubled Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake youth facilities in northern Wisconsin, State Rep. David Bowen (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement:

“I was incredibly pleased to see that Gov. Evers and the Department of Corrections have secured a site in Milwaukee for the new Type 1 Youth Facility that will allow us to finally close Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake for good. Since the beginning of his term, Gov. Evers has been committed to ensuring that this facility would be built in Southeast Wisconsin, and he and DOC Sec. Carr have delivered. The new site is within the community, was selected with insight from community members, brings these children closer to home, will allow us to ensure that the youth who will be housed in this facility will receive the best possible care, and additionally helps preserve existing correctional resources like the Felmers O. Chaney Correctional Center. By selecting the site on West Clinton Avenue, the Evers Administration has proven that they are ready and willing to work with and listen to local stakeholders whose support will be crucial to ensuring that this new Type 1 facility succeeds in taking care of our youths and our community at the same time.

The work I and others have put towards closing Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake has been one of my greatest achievements as a Legislator, and I am so excited to see this dream finally coming to fruition. I eagerly await the results of this Friday’s Common Council vote on their resolution to formally approve this site, and I look forward to watching this project grow from a site plan into a reality!”

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