News Release - December 3, 2008s
Georgia Department of Corrections
James E. Donald, Commissioner
Director of Public Affairs
Joan Heath
Contact: Office of Public Affairs (404) 656-9772
For Immediate Release
Milan State Prison Slated for Realignment
Staff and Inmate Population to Relocate
Atlanta – As part of its ongoing efficiency measures, the Georgia Department of Corrections announced today the 250-bed Milan State Prison in Helena, Georgia will cease operations effective December 5, 2008. Inmates currently housed at the Milan facility will be transferred to other facilities across the state.
Milan State Prison was constructed in 1959 and has been identified as a non-enduring facility. The prison houses medium and minimum-security male inmates. Milan is a work-oriented facility that places special emphasis on alcohol and drug addiction and education.
To increase bed capacity in Georgia prisons, the Department is opening seven Fast Track facilities. The 256-bed housing units will be attached to existing state prisons. These facilities will open at Valdosta State Prison, Hays State Prison, Smith State Prison, Ware State Prison and Coastal State Prison. Fast Track facilities are already open at Macon State Prison and Dooly State Prison. The Department also has plans to add nearly 1,400 triple-bunk beds to various prisons across the state, ultimately adding approximately 3,000 beds this year.
“As we continue to right-size the Department, it is imperative that our mission of protecting the public remains paramount,” said Corrections Commissioner James E. Donald. “Realignment of the Milan facility maintains that mission, while providing an opportunity to become more efficient.” Donald added that the Department will realize an annual savings of approximately $3.5 million.
The Department will offer the 55 employees at Milan positions within the Department. Work details and fire services currently being provided from the prison will continue through reassignment to other facilities. Future plans for the facility have not yet been determined.
The Department of Corrections is the fifth largest prison system in the United States and is responsible for supervising nearly 60,000 state prisoners and over 150,000 probationers. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 15,000 employees.
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