Bostick State Prison to close

Associated Press

The Georgia Department of Corrections is closing its 700-bed Bostick State Prison in Milledgeville in May.

The Department anticipates a savings of approximately $6.7 million annually in direct operational cost from the May 1 closing.

Authorities say the prison — which is an old 1950's dorm that was converted to a prison in 1987 — lacks the safety features of other state prisons and requires more staff to secure.

Commissioner Brian Owens says the move will help save money and prevent operating an unsafe facility. Bostick's 131 staff members will be offered positions at other GDC facilities and the inmates will be transferred.