The State of Maryland is gearing up to permanently close the doors of the Maryland Correctional Institution at Jessup, according to an announcement made by Governor Wes Moore's office. Set to occur by June 30, 2026, the closure of this medium-security prison, which has been operational since 1981, is expected to slash yearly operational expenses by approximately $21 million, as reported by FOX Baltimore.
In a statement obtained by FOX Baltimore, Governor Moore highlighted the obsolescence of the facility, stating, "MCI-J has long outrun its facility lifespan and we refuse to kick the can further down the road." The Governor went on to emphasize the dual benefit of taxpayer savings and enhancement of educational, vocational, and re-entry programs for incarcerated individuals as a part of the closure plan. The present infrastructure of the prison includes significant issues, as captured by FOX Baltimore, with an estimated $200 million price tag to realize capital improvements.
However, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Maryland Council 3, reacted with concern over the absence of a broader, more encompassing strategy for the state's correctional system. Patrick Moran, the union president, expressed to WBAL-TV, "We are alarmed that the state is moving towards closing MCI-J without a larger and more comprehensive plan regarding the state's correctional facilities, the needs of incarcerated individuals and departmental staffing as a whole." The union, surprised by the closure decision, signaled readiness to engage in public hearings required by state law, seeking answers to pressing questions concerning staffing and facility resourcing.
The current plan outlines that staff will be transitioned to other facilities and that incarcerated individuals will be gradually transferred to various state prisons over several months, such as the Maryland Correctional Institution and the Roxbury Correctional Institution in Washington County, as well as the North Branch Correctional Institution in Allegany County, WBAL-TV reported. Educational programs currently hosted at MCI-J are also slated to be moved to other facilities, ensuring continuity of services.
Once MCI-J is closed, the state expects to shutter and winterize the site at an estimated cost of $1.5 million while future uses of the property are evaluated. The final date for the mandatory public hearing has not been set yet.
.jpg){kind=link}