LANSING – State Representatives Steve Lindberg (D-Marquette) and Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) today announced that the state Department of Corrections (DOC) will not close the Camp Manistique correctional facility on Sept. 8 as previously announced, saving 45 good-paying Upper Peninsula jobs.
"The closure of Camp Manistique would have had a devastating effect on our communities," said Lindberg. "This is a significant victory for the Upper Peninsula, but the fight is not over yet. We must continue to work hard to ensure that Camp Manistique remains open. Its existence is of vital importance to our economy and our safety."
DOC Director Patricia Caruso on Thursday announced at a town hall meeting in Manistique that the closure had been postponed. Caruso added that a workgroup will be formed to discuss what will happen to the 14-year-old, 264-bed facility.
Lindberg and McDowell thanked Director Caruso and State Representative Alma Wheeler-Smith (D-Ann Arbor), both of whom attended the Thursday town hall meeting. They also thanked Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm.
The representatives added that the community must remain vigilant and should continue to let their voices be heard by speaking out against the closure.
"The hardworking employees at Camp Manistique pay their taxes here, keep our economy strong by spending money in our shops and restaurants, and are pillars of our communities," McDowell said. "I am proud to stand by them and work to ensure that they continue to keep our communities strong and safe."