- CDCR says the state prison closure stems from declining prison populations in future years and as a way to save money
- This closure is projected to save the state approximately $150 million in annual General Fund spending
- The closure has prompted concern among staff who may have to transfer their jobs to a new area or choose to get a new job
NORCO, Calif. — Citing a declining prison population and the need to free up money from the general fund, the state will shut down the California Rehabilitation Center in Riverside County by fall 2026.
This full closure marks the fourth state prison to close, with CDCR previously shutting down the Deuel Vocational Institution in Tracy, the California Correctional Center in Susanville and the Chuckawalla Valley State Prison in Blythe.
According to state data, there are about 91,000 incarcerated people across state prisons. Compared to the 173,000 reported in 2006, the state said this is the lowest incarcerated population they have registered since the late 1980s.
At the same time, California is facing a $12 billion budget deficit this year, and CDCR estimates to save $150 million in general funding spending with this closure.
Read the full story from Spectrum News 1 here.
