Governor Janet Mills and the Washington County Delegation announced today that they have reached an agreement to build a new pre-release center on the grounds of the existing Downeast Correctional Facility. This agreement comes in lieu of an earlier proposal to open a facility elsewhere in Washington County.
“I am proud that my Administration was able to work closely with Senator Moore and Representatives Tuell, Perry, Javner, Faulkingham and Alley to reach an agreement on the future of Downeast Correctional Facility,” said Governor Mills. “As someone who fought to keep DCF open, I understand how important it is to the people of Washington County and I shared in their frustration when it was closed. I thank the Washington County Delegation for working with me and Commissioner Liberty to rectify this situation as best we could and ensure that DCF continues on in this new facility.”
“I am happy to have been able to work with Governor Mills and my fellow Washington County delegation to finally put to rest the issue of Downeast Correctional Facility so the local community can finally move forward with a resolution,” said Senator Marianne Moore (R-Washington). “While the new facility won’t be to the scale of what DCF once was, it will once again provide an important service to our state and economy.”
“I want to thank Governor Mills and her Administration for working with Washington County to come to a satisfactory outcome after months of negotiations,” said Representative Will Tuell (R-East Machias). “We are very happy the Administration is keeping DCF where it is and keeping a promise to the people of Washington County. Our delegation was committed to the current DCF location, and we are very pleased with the outcome.”
“This new facility will keep alive the deeply rooted correctional tradition of the region,” said Department of Corrections Commissioner Randall A. Liberty. “It feels good to find common ground with the dedicated former DCF employees and legislators.”
This facility will house up to 50 minimum-security prisoners and employ 15 staff. It will retain its name of Downeast Correctional Facility (DCF).
The Department of Corrections (DOC) has obtained estimates for design, demolition, and construction, with an estimated budget of $6.5-$8 million. DOC is working with the Bureau of Real Estate (BREM) to develop a request for qualifications for an architectural design.
This will be the first step in the design-bid-build approach to reopening the Downeast Correctional Facility.
The construction of new structures and systems to meet the accreditation standards set forth by the American Correctional Association is estimated to result in an anticipated opening in about 24 months. The Department will continue to engage with the unions, including on the issue of extending recall rights of former employees.
Funds for the reconstruction of DCF will come from the Maine Government Facilities Authority bond, approved as Public Law in 2016. This bond also funds the remodel of the Maine Correctional Center in Windham.