Appleton Mn "Prison May Reopen"

The privately run Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton may reopen and house prisoners from California.

According to a news release from the owner, Corrections Corporation of America, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation intends to award a new contract to them to manage about 3,200 offenders in Appleton and at the company's Colorado facility.

Appleton Mayor Ron Ronning, a 16-year employee of the prison, told the West Central Tribune that he's hoping the prison will reopen early in 2012.

The 1,600 bed prison closed in February. The company didn't give a specific time frame for employees being rehired there.

At full operation, its economic value was estimated at $45 million a year. LINK