Moline, IL... State Representative Rich Morthland (R-Cordova) applauds the federal government's decision today to move forward with the sale of Thomson Correctional Center from the state of Illinois to the Federal Bureau of Prisons after sitting unoccupied and unused for twelve years.
Morthland says the sale of Thomson Correctional Center is a bi-partisan victory.
"Today is a great day for northwestern Illinois. It comes as a result of hard work and cooperation from all parties involved in moving the sale forward," said Morthland.
Estimates suggest that opening the prison facility will create an additional 1,100 direct and indirect new jobs, and will inject more than $200 million per year into the economy of the surrounding counties.
"The prison will bring a new kind of skilled worker to the area and in return will provide an economic boost. Area businesses will benefit from people purchasing goods and buying homes. There is great potential here and putting the prison to use will create a positive domino effect in Carol, Whiteside, and Rock Island Counties."
