Budget-cutting plan would close prisons

SANTA FE (KRQE) - The state Department of Corrections would close two New Mexico prisons under a plan it's proposing to deal with budget cuts passed by the Legislature but yet to be signed by Gov. Bill Richardson.

The plan would close the privately run New Mexico Women's Correctional Facility in Grants and the state-run prison in Hagerman.

The closure of the women's prison would mean 140 employees would lose their jobs. Prisoners would be moved to the Western New Mexico Correctional Facility, also in Grants. Between 530 and 660 male and female inmates would have to be moved to other prisons or released, depending on their custody level.

Meanwhile, the closure of the Hagerman prison would result in 65 layoffs, and 270 inmates would have to be moved or released.

The plan would save the department about $5.4 million per year, part of the $21 million in budget cuts the department would have to absorb if the governor signs the budget bills.

The department is presenting the plan to Richardson on Wednesday to let him know about the effects of lawmakers' budget cuts.

Richardson has until Nov. 12 to act on the bills, which were passed during a week-long special session that ended last Friday.