(25News Now) – Illinois prisons are falling apart, and it will cost the state billions of dollars to make much-needed repairs, says a consultant hired by the state to develop a facilities master plan.

Recommendations from consulting firm CGL include cutting by more than half the capacity of the maximum-security prison at Pontiac, and closing down the Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln, which houses female inmates.

The entire prison system is in need of at least $2.5 billion in deferred maintenance due to insufficient repairs and funding over the past decade, according to the report that was completed in May.

The report says Pontiac, the state’s second oldest lockup, has the second highest deferred maintenance of all state prisons at $235 million.

“Pontiac has a significant number of capital needs including replacing plumbing fixtures and faucets in housing, replacing roofs, boilers, water heaters, installing new HVAC in certain locations,” CGL’s report says.

Also, the report says Pontiac is experiencing the prison system’s most severe staffing shortage, with 48% of correctional officers’ positions unfilled, compared to the already high average 28% vacancy rate at prisons statewide.

The consultant proposes Pontiac’s capacity drop to 622 inmates, from just over 1,400 as recently as August of last year.

“Given its age, outdated/inefficient design, extensive physical plant needs, high cost to operate, and difficulty in recruiting and retaining staff, consideration should be given to reducing Pontiac Correctional Center’s capacity,” the report said.

Logan Correctional Center targeted for closure

The women’s prison in Lincoln should be shut down completely, says the consultant.

“Our review found the existing Logan Correctional Center to be inefficient, ineffective, and unsuitable for any population. The aging coal-fired power system, molding housing units, and facility layout all work in opposition to the mission and goals of the facility,” CGL’s report says.

The recommendation is to move women inmates to medium security prisons for men where there’s space because of reduced prison populations.

“These facilities are in much better condition but would need some renovation and new construction to develop spaces specific to managing a female population,” the report said.

The preferred location to house women inmates is the Illinois River Correctional Center in Canton. Renovation of that facility would cost an estimated $12.2 million.

A corrections department spokesperson has not responded to 25News request for comment on the consultant’s report.

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