The State Department of Corrections says it is closing down the Livingston County Correctional Facility. According to a press release, it's one of two prisons selected by the state for closing by September 1st.
The Livingston County Correctional Facility is in Sonyea (SAHN-ee-ay). It employs 327 staff and houses more than 800 inmates. The state describes it as a medium security prison, adjacent to the Groveland Correctional Facility which is also medium security. The state says falling crime rates mean fewer prison cells are needed.
State Senator Patrick Gallivan of Elmira and Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes of Caledonia have issued a joint statement. They say they're disappointed in the state's decision and call it "disheartening."