Speaking before hundreds of correctional officers in the pouring rain at a rally in Albany today, Senator Betty Little (R,C,I-Queensbury), fellow lawmakers and union leaders announced that Camp Gabriels will not be closed as had been planned in the executive budget proposed in January.
All four correctional facilities slated for closure will stay open as part of a budget agreement worked out by the Senate, Assembly and governor. Final details of the budget are continuing to be debated as the state Legislature closes in on the April 1 budget deadline.
Little credited the correctional officers and the local community for helping her and Assemblywomen Janet Duprey and Teresa Sayward make a compelling case to keep the facility open. The decision preserves 136 jobs and ensures a vital economic force remains in the community.
"This has been a true team effort," said Little. "I have heard from hundreds, if not thousands, of people in the North Country stressing the importance of keeping Camp Gabriels open. There are dozens of good reasons for Gabriels to remain open and I am grateful that this new Paterson administration listened to our arguments and agreed."
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