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Franklin County Legislature opposes further North Country correctional facility closures
Summary
At its April meetings the Franklin County Legislature unanimously adopted a resolution opposing any additional closures of North Country correctional facilities, saying prior closures harmed local economies and urging state officials to halt further closures.
The Franklin County Legislature voted unanimously April 4 to adopt a resolution formally opposing the closure of any additional North Country correctional facilities, citing the local economic dependence on correctional institutions and the lasting impact of past closures.
The resolution, moved by Legislator Janisewski and seconded by Legislator Dumas, noted the county’s experience with the 2008 Camp Gabriels closure and the 2013 Chateaugay Correctional Facility shutdown, saying both facilities “have sat empty since their closure” and that further closures would have “a detrimental effect to the economy of Franklin County and to its residents.” The Legislature directed the Clerk to transmit copies of the resolution to Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senator Elizabeth O'C. Little, and Assemblyman D. Billy Jones.
Why it matters: Franklin County leaders said correctional facilities are a significant source of local employment and economic activity in parts of the North Country where alternative employers are limited. The resolution frames the proposed state closures as a county economic issue rather than a local correctional policy question.
What the Legislature did: The resolution passed by voice vote without recorded opposition. It is a policy position and does not itself compel state action; instead it formally notifies state officials of the Legislature’s opposition and asks them to reconsider proposed closures.
Next steps: The Legislature transmitted the resolution to state lawmakers and the governor as requested; the county will await any response or legislative action from Albany.
