Shuttered Michigan Facility Could Reopen

BALDWIN, Mich. — A former youth correctional facility in northern Michigan may be able to house a wider range of inmates if state legislators pass new legislation.

Sponsored by Rep. Geoff Hansen, the bill would allow a private vendor to reopen the facility to house any in-state or out-of-state correctional population, such as county inmates or homeland security detainees.

The former Michigan Youth Correctional Facility, privately managed by Geo Group Inc. for six years, closed in 2005 due to state budget cuts.

At press time, the legislation was pending approval in the state Senate.