Illinois prisons need $2.5 billion in repairs
The article titled “Illinois prisons need $2.5 billion in repairs” by Shannon Heffernan on WBEZ Chicago discusses the dire state of Illinois prisons and the urgent need for repairs.
The report, obtained by WBEZ, reveals that three of the department’s 27 facilities are approaching “inoperable” and estimates that the prison system requires at least $2.5 billion for “deferred maintenance,” which is the highest among all state agencies. If left unaddressed, this figure is expected to double in five years.
The report highlights a range of issues plaguing the prisons, including mold, leaky roofs, sewage backups, unsafe drinking water, raccoon infestations, and staffing shortages1. The situation is particularly severe at Logan Correctional Center, where incarcerated individuals have reported pollution from a coal plant, brown and slimy water, stubborn mold, and raccoons poking through holes in the walls1. Similar infrastructure problems have been observed at other facilities such as Pontiac Correctional Center and Stateville Northern Reception and Classification Center.
The Illinois Department of Corrections has reviewed the report and is currently in the early stages of internal discussions to determine the necessary steps to meet operational requirements. The report recommends major repairs and fixes but also suggests closing one prison and shrinking another due to a significantly decreased prison population over the last decade1. However, this recommendation is likely to be controversial as unions and communities surrounding prisons have historically fought against facility reductions1.
In conclusion, Illinois prisons are in urgent need of repairs estimated at $2.5 billion. Failure to address these issues promptly could lead to further deterioration of facilities and increased costs in the future.