Augusta Correctional Center in Craigsville is closing
RICHMOND — The Virginia Department of Corrections said Friday that the Augusta Correctional Center in Craigsville will close next year, according to a press release.
Sussex II State Prison, Haynesville Correctional Unit #17, and the Stafford Community Corrections Alternative Program (CCAP) will also be closed, effective July 1.
"These decisions were made to enhance employee, inmate, and probationer safety, to address longstanding staffing challenges, and in consideration of significant ongoing maintenance costs," the release said.
Augusta Correctional Center employs anywhere between 250 to 499 people, according to Augustavabusiness.com. Groundbreaking for the prison was in June 1983 at an estimated cost of $24.5 million.
Pam L. Carter, representing the Pastures District on the Augusta County Board of Supervisors, sent The News Leader a statement on behalf of the board. "The Board of Supervisors would like to express our profound disappointment over the decision to close the Augusta Correctional Center. The abrupt end of a long-standing relationship between Augusta County, the Town of Craigsville, and VADOC will cause adverse economic and employment effects for citizens in Craigsville and throughout Augusta County. We anticipate working closely with state officials as they look to mitigate the impacts felt throughout the community."
The department of corrections has already started the process of working with staff to identify job placement opportunities within the agency to ensure the opportunity for continuous employment and career advancement, according to the VADOC release.
Employees from Sussex II State Prison and Haynesville Correctional Unit #17 have already been temporarily reassigned, primarily to the neighboring Sussex I State Prison and Haynesville Correctional Center.
“I am very disappointed to learn of the VADOC decision to close Augusta Correctional Center. I am extremely concerned about the displaced employees, their families and the adverse impact this will have on the Town of Craigsville and Augusta County," said Virginia state senator Mark Obenshain, R-Rockingham. "I understand that over the last few years, there have been staffing and maintenance challenges with this facility; however, it was my hope that VADOC could find solutions to these challenges which would allow the Center to remain open and operational. I plan to work with Delegate Runion as well as state and local officials to mitigate the impact of this development."
“Governor Youngkin’s budget enhances public safety and increases efficiency inside Virginia’s prisons for staff members, inmates and everyone who lives and works in Virginia,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Terrance “Terry” Cole. “I believe these steps will help the VADOC further its mission of public safety and operational excellence.”
Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@newsleader.com. You can also follow him on X (formerly Twitter).
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Augusta Correctional Center in Craigsville is closing
