Sen. Torrey Westrom (R-Alexandria) and Rep. Paul Anderson (R-Starbuck) today sent a letter to Governor Tim Walz and Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell urging the state to seriously consider reopening the Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton.

With the state preparing to close the Stillwater prison, the lawmakers highlighted Appleton’s 1,600-bed capacity, equal to Stillwater’s. They emphasized that reopening this existing, well-maintained facility would be faster and more cost-effective than building a new one from scratch.

“Reopening the Appleton prison is a common-sense solution that strengthens public safety, saves taxpayer dollars, and revitalizes a rural community,” Westrom said. “This facility is already in good condition and ready to serve Minnesota’s needs. It is an opportunity to act responsibly while bringing back hundreds of good-paying jobs to Swift County.”

In the letter, Westrom and Anderson urged the administration to consider multiple paths forward, whether through a state contract, long-term lease, or direct purchase of the facility. They also suggested that part of the space could be repurposed to expand mental health services if fewer prison beds are ultimately needed.

“If we are closing Stillwater, we should take a look at Appleton as a common-sense solution to make up for lost beds,” Anderson said. “It is the right thing to do for the state and the Appleton area.”

The Prairie Correctional Facility, located in Appleton, previously housed inmates from Minnesota and other states before closing in 2010. The lawmakers say reopening it would not only help address the state’s correctional needs but also support economic development in western Minnesota.

Westrom and Anderson expressed their willingness to work with the administration throughout the transition process as the Stillwater facility winds down operations.