The Maine House of Representatives has approved over $5 million to keep the Downeast Correctional Facility operating for another year.
The 95-53 vote was the strongest support for funding in the House so far, but still short of what will be needed to override the expected veto of Gov. Paul LePage, who opposes continued operation of the jail.
Supporters, including Democratic Rep. Anne Perry of Calais, say DCF should keep operating as it is now.
“The Downeast Correctional Facility is actually working as a prerelease program. They have the program, they have the people that are doing the work,” she says.
Opponents argue that the existing facility needs renovations to continue operating. Lawmakers are also looking at legislation to create a new prerelease center in Washington County. Construction costs were approved in a past Legislature, but it would still need an operating appropriation.
“The Legislature and the chief executive have indicated a willingness to go forward with a new prerelease facility in Washington County. But I think the reality is there is a interconnectedness between these two issues,” says Republican Rep. Ken Fredette of Newport.
