Moline, IL ... Rep. Rich Morthland (R-Cordova) and Rep. Jim Sacia (R-Freeport) delivered a letter yesterday urging the Illinois Congressional Delegation to take action on the proposed sale of the unused Thomson Correctional Center. The proposed sale from the state of Illinois to the Federal Bureau of Prisons has been on the table for more than 2½ years.
"It is frustrating to watch the state`s most advanced prison sit idle while northwest Illinois continues to languish," Morthland said.
The Thomson Correctional Center has the capacity to confine up to 1,600 federal prisoners and it is estimated putting this prison facility to use will create 1,100 direct and indirect new jobs, and will inject $200 million per year into the economy of Carroll, Whiteside, and surrounding counties.
"The sale has been thoroughly discussed and debated. The majority of the people in the communities directly involved have indicated they would like to see this sale move forward," said Morthland. "I believe it is in the best interest of the people of northwest Illinois for Congress to act."
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