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| No Bidders for Thompson Prison |
Thomson prison remains in the hands of the state of Illinois, after bidders failed to show up for the prison's auction Tuesday in Chicago.
It was expected representatives from the Federal Bureau of Prisons would be on hand to purchase the prison, which has been involved in political haggling over its future use. Initially the federal government wanted to purchase the prison to house Guantanamo Bay detainees, an idea that triggered criticism from Republican lawmakers.
The starting bid for the prison was set at just under $220 million. A cashier's check for 10 percent would have been turned over to the state by the winning bidder.
According to the governor's office, the state is reviewing its options and the governor remains committed to selling Thomson to the federal government.
While there is no word from the governor's office on why the federal government didn't show, a letter from the Federal Bureau of Prisons states the Bureau "has determined that it can not participate in the state's auction" but is "still very interested in pursuing other ways for the bureau to acquire" Thomson.
While there were no bidders, the auction completes the state's statutory process for the sale of surplus property.
The letter from Prisons Director Harley Lappin also states that the bureau must still obtain the necessary appropriations to purchase and upgrade the facility.
It's estimated that turning Thomson into a federal penitentiary would generate at least 1,100 jobs and pump $61 million into the community.
(Source: Illinois Radio Network) |
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| 12 22 10 by Newsroom |
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