(Chesterton, IN) - A local lawmaker is expressing opposition to a recent decision to delay the closure of Indiana State Prison in Michigan City.

 

The Indiana Department of Correction has announced it will not close the prison in 2027 as originally planned.

 

 “Hoosier taxpayers have already invested more than $1.2 billion in construction and upgrades at the new Northwest Correctional Facility and were given a clear promise that the outdated Michigan City Prison would close,” said State Senator Rodney Pol, Jr. (D-Chesterton).

 

“Now, instead of following through, the state is backtracking on that

commitment,” he said.

The new prison in Westville once completed was supposed to house the current Westville Correctional Facility and the state prison.  

 

Pol said the state prison is old, costly to maintain and sits in the middle of a residential area that was slated for redevelopment once the facility shut down.

 

“Keeping it open not only wastes taxpayer dollars but also stalls critical opportunities to bring new housing, new businesses and much-needed growth to a community that borders our National Park,” he said.

 

Pol also emphasized that state taxpayers should not be asked to foot the bill for federal responsibilities in response to speculation the prison will remain open indefinitely to house illegal immigrants waiting for deportation.

 

Pol represents Senate District 4 which encompasses portions of northern Porter County and La Porte County including Michigan City and Westville.