State speeds up plan to close Pontiac prison

PONTIAC _ The Illinois Department of Corrections has moved up the date it plans to close a prison in Pontiac, telling unions that represent workers there the lockup will close Dec. 31.

The department and Gov. Rod Blagojevich have said for months they plan to close the Pontiac Correctional Center in February. The governor says the closure will save about $4 million a year.

Corrections Director Roger E. Walker Jr. informed the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the Illinois State Employees Association by letter.

AFSCME Director Henry Bayer says the union will continue trying to keep the prison open. The union has sued the department and governor over the plan.

The prison employs about 570 people and is Pontiac's No. 2 employer.