Gitmo Or No, Feds Still Buy Thomson Prison

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Jun 22, 2010 8:40PM

Even as it's looking more and more unlikely we'll see Guantanamo Bay prisoners shipped there, the White House is moving ahead with a plan to purchase Thomson Correctional Center. Asst. Atty. Gen. Ronald Weich wrote a letter to Illinois' congressional delegation informing them of the Obama administration's intentions to move ahead with the plan. Depending on who ultimately winds up running the prison, there will be a large number of jobs created for the local economy. If the Defense Department takes over, between 750 and 900 of 1,200 jobs would be created for local residents; if the Bureau of Prisons runs Thomson fully, all of the jobs would be open to local residents. Yet if - and how many - Guantanamo Bay prisoners ultimately wind up at Thomson is still unknown as Obama's efforts to close the prison have hit numerous roadblocks.

Closing the prison has been difficult, however, as members of Congress decline to grant approval for transferring the Guantanamo detainees. Also, in recent weeks, House lawmakers have moved to blocks federal funds for modifying the Thomson prison so it can accommodate the detainees.

However, that measure did not prohibit use of federal funding to actually buy the prison, and Monday's letter indicates the Justice Department wants to keep the Thomson option alive as negotiations continue with congressional leaders.

Rich Miller has the press release including reaction from Sen. Dick Durbin and Gov. Pat Quinn, over at Capitol Fax.