Public hearing set for proposed permanent closure of Du Quoin Impact Program facility
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
DU QUOIN, Ill. (KBSI) — Residents and employees will have an opportunity to voice their concerns about the proposed permanent closure of the Du Quoin Impact Program facility during a public hearing Oct. 21.
The Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability will hold the hearing at 5 p.m. in the 2nd Heat Building at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, 440 Midway Drive.
Representatives from the Illinois Department of Corrections will discuss the proposed closure, while community members and facility employees will have an opportunity to provide testimony.
The Du Quoin facility temporarily closed in March 2023 under an agreement between the department and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Its operations were transferred to the Murphysboro Life Skills Reentry Center later that year.
In August, the department announced plans to permanently close the Du Quoin and Dixon Springs impact program facilities, along with work camps in Clayton and Greene County.
Officials cited declining participation, rising operating costs and infrastructure needs as reasons for the proposed closures.
The department estimates closing all four facilities would save approximately $35.9 million in capital costs and $6.5 million in annual operating expenses.
According to the department, no employees will be laid off as a result of the closures. Staff assigned to Du Quoin would be reassigned to Pinckneyville Correctional Center.
The department also plans to work with other state agencies to determine potential future uses for the properties.
The Du Quoin facility opened in August 1994 and served adult men in minimum security.
A separate hearing will be scheduled in Springfield during the first week of the legislative veto session, when the commission will vote on its recommendation regarding the proposed closure.
For more information about the Oct. 21 hearing, contact Anthony Bolton at 217-785-3014 or facilityclosure@ilga.gov.
