Gitmo alternative or not, plans procede to convert Ill. prison into federal supermax
By Henry C. Jackson, APMonday, June 21, 2010
Plan to convert Ill. prison to supermax on track
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department is telling Illinois lawmakers that plans to convert a state prison into a federal supermax facility are on track, even though the site’s potential as a site to house Guantanamo Bay detainees may be foundering.
In a letter sent on Monday to Democratic Sen. Richard Durbin and Republican congressman Jerry Manzullo, Assistant Attorney General Ronald Weich says the administration is committed to acquiring the facility in Thomson, Ill., this year.
Once the property has been acquired, the entire space will be made available to the Bureau of Prisons.
President Barack Obama has eyed Thomson as a potential site for detainees held at the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, but he is facing strong resistance in Congress.
