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U.S., State Strike Deal to Buy Thompson Prison
(IRN)-Several state lawmakers have confirmed what the governor's office and federal officials won't: Illinois has struck a deal with the federal government to buy the Thomson Correctional Center in northwest Illinois.

The facility was built in 2001, but has sat empty since then, the state couldn't afford to open and staff it. But State Senator Mike Jacobs (D-East Moline) says the federal government will buy it for about $165 million and open it as a federal prison. He says he can't wait until those jobs are infused into his local economy.

"People are lined up already to be hired," says Jacobs. "The Bureau of Prisons has very strict guidelines on who they hire. You have to be between a certain age and have certain capabilities, but it's going to be a boon to this area."

The prison recently appraised for about $220 million, but the state built it for $140 million 10 years ago. The federal government says no terrorism suspects will be housed there.

The money to finance the purchase must still be appropriated, and it's unclear when the deal will be finalized.

(Source: Illinois Radio Network)
05 19 11 by Newsroom
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