COMPTROLLER STATEMENT ON CLOSING OF GOWANDA CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

State lawmakers authorize closure of prison as part of 2020-2021 enacted state budget

(ERIE COUNTY, NY) – I am part of an active Prison Ministry program at Gowanda Correctional Facility.  Our Keryx Prison Ministry team worked many years sharing Christ’s love during four-day retreats, twice a year. Our volunteers also host prayer groupings every Friday night at Gowanda Correctional. Hearing about the closure of this facility hits close to home for those of us that volunteer there through Keryx. 

I am deeply concerned for friends that work at the facility.  Chaplains, Corrections Officers, support staff, all losing their jobs in a few months. They are hearing about this closure just before Christmas.  I feel for them.  I will pray for them.  Many of these good paying jobs are gone. Vendors that service Gowanda Correctional will also suffer.  The economic impact will hurt. Since this facility is in Erie County, I wonder if the Governor contacted his Democratic counterparts at the county level, and if they did anything to save these jobs.

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