The future of Elmira’s Southport Correctional Facility remains uncertain ahead of its closure in March 2022. Southport is one of six security institutions in New York State set to close this year. The facility has less than two months left to transfer its 200 inmates and 400 staff members to other facilities.
Many in Chemung County found themselves blindsided by Southport’s closure, especially considering the state had recently invested $20 million in renovations, according to WETM. Questions remain over whether the facility will be turned over or sold to the county, or if it will be sold to the private sector. Officials are also concerned over what this closure means in terms of families moving out of the county.
“We saw the latest census. We don’t want to see any more people leave our area, but the fact the matter is those corrections officers and the civilian staff members go to restaurants. They buy lunch. They buy gas. They spend money right here in Chemung County,” says County Executive Chris Moss.
Southport will officially close its doors on March 10. No layoffs will occur as a result, rather staff will have the opportunity to transfer to other facilities elsewhere in the state.
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