Phelps Prison Closes Doors
DEQUINCY, La. (AP) — C. Paul Phelps Correctional Center's 54 years as a state prison will come to a quiet end when the facility officially closes its doors Thursday.
The state Department of Public Safety and Corrections on Sept. 14 announced plans to close the prison by Nov. 1 as a cost-cutting measure. Jimmy LeBlanc, head of the department, said the move will save $2.6 million this fiscal year and $11.85 million over the next two fiscal years.
The last of the nearly 900 prisoners who were housed at Phelps were shipped to Angola on Friday.
Pam Laborde, Department of Corrections spokeswoman, tells the American Press of the 269 people employed at Phelps when the state announced the decision to close the facility, 86 transferred to other state facilities and 53 have retired.
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