FORT MADISON, IOWA – The Offenders at Iowa State Penitentiary now have a new address.
There was a highly successful statewide effort to move 507 offenders from the previous location at #3 John Bennett Lane 2 miles northwest to 2011 330th Avenue.
Iowa State Penitentiary (ISP) staff were assisted by five other Iowa prisons, as well as Iowa State Patrol, Fort Madison Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff’s department, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Transportation as well as the Illinois Department of Corrections. Over 215 people were involved in the move today.
“This is a historic day for the Department of Corrections and the State of Iowa. There was a collaborative effort between the Iowa Department of Corrections and area law enforcement personnel. Together over 500 offenders were moved from the oldest operating facility west of the Mississippi to the new state-of-art facility to ensure public safety.” Jerry Bartruff Department of Corrections
Ensuring the public’s safety was the top priority throughout the planning process. The plan to move the offenders had been discussed in great detail over the last two years. There were numerous security measures in place including support from the air provided by the Department of Public Safety. In addition public roads were monitored and some traffic was redirected.
“I would like to express my overwhelming gratitude to all IDOC staff and coordinating agencies including the Illinois Department of Corrections,” said Warden Nick Ludwick. “Working together, the team moved over 500 offenders in a safe, secure and professional manner within six hours. This historic day marks the closing of one facility as well as the opening the new institution. This is a major accomplishment considering the maximum security population involved.”
Prison culture. Nasty corporate religious collusion tied in with a welfare district. Opt not to give little Johnny a gun and badge nor toy gun to play with. Cuz you’ll end up with a “lock em up” son
Inmates have had no hot water to shower/wash in since they moved . Toilets leak and don’t flush well. When other toilets flush above them , toilets shoot out stuff about a foot out of their toilet. Systems were down so inmates were locked in their cells until a key could manually let them out. Some inmates have been on lock down and not been out to yard for their regular schedule yet. Inmates have been on lock down for over a month. Cells are extremely hot inside of them. This place sure doesn’t sound like it was ready for occupancy.
Or the fact that long delays of opening this facility due to fact the contractors who built it couldn’t pay their bills to the suppliers… I know because company I work for recently just got paid. Have no idea what this project cost taxpayers but I can only imagine.
Hmmmm, no mention of the cost over-runs and the long delay in opening.