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Press Release - Rifle Prison to Remain Open

OFFICE OF GOVERNOR BILL RITTER, JR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FRIDAY, FEB. 20, 2009

 

CONTACTS:

Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370, evan.dreyer@state.co.us

Kat Sanguinetti, 719.439.5514, Katherine.Sanguinetti@doc.state.co.us

 

GOV. RITTER: RIFLE PRISON TO REMAIN OPEN

 

Gov. Bill Ritter announced today that his office, working together with the Department of Corrections, state Sen. Al White and the Joint Budget Committee, is no longer considering closing the Rifle prison to balance the state's budget.

 

"After listening to the concerns of people in Rifle and working closely with the department and the JBC, we believe we can close the budget shortfall without closing this facility," Gov. Ritter said. "The community played a valuable role in sharing its concerns, and I'm pleased we were able to find common ground and reach consensus."

 

The recommendation to close the 192-bed Rifle prison was among many budget-balancing suggestions submitted to the Joint Budget Committee last month. Selling the facility, land and water rights would have generated $5 million in revenue and produced an annual savings of $600,000.

 

 "I am excited by the mutual efforts put forth by the Governor's Office, the members of the Joint Budget Committee, and the Department," said Department of Corrections Executive Director Aristedes W. Zavaras. "The outcome allows for the continued operation of the Rifle Correctional Center without compromising the safe and secure operations of our prisons. The result is a win-win for the Community of Rifle, the Department, and the Citizens of Colorado."

 

"I'm very pleased that with the cooperation of my colleagues on the Joint Budget Committee and with the Department of Corrections and Governor's Office we have found a solution that will keep the Rifle prison open," said Sen. Al White, who serves on the JBC and whose district includes Rifle. "A lot of effort was expended by a lot of people, including the citizens of Rifle, and that's how good public policy happens."