Sens. Bruno And Farley Announce Funds In Budget To Keep Camp Mcgregor

Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno today joined a rally of hundreds of corrections officers and police officers to announce that the agreed-upon state budget will keep open Camp McGregor in Saratoga County, as well as three other correctional facilities. The Executive Budget proposed by former Governor Spitzer proposed closing these facilities.

"Closing Camp McGregor would have hurt the economy in Saratoga County. It would have hurt the employees and their families. It would have hurt our correctional system," Senator Bruno said. "I’m pleased that we are able to keep Camp McGregor open for the officers and the community. This is the second year in row that we have been able to stop the Governor from trying to shut down this, and other important correctional facilities."

"This is great news for our area, as Mt. McGregor is not only an economic engine but the prisoners also contribute substantially to community projects through work-release programs," said Senator Hugh Farley (R-C, Schenectady). "Just as important, however, this continuation of a robust minimum-security program, with job training and experience, reflects our efforts to return non-violent offenders back into society as productive citizens."

In his Executive Budget Proposal, former Governor Spitzer recommended the closing of four prisons, including Camp Pharsalia in Chenango County, Camp McGregor in Saratoga County, Camp Gabriels in Franklin County, and the Hudson Correctional Facility in Columbia County. This proposal would have affected over 500 employees, including 66 at Camp McGregor.

Keeping these facilities open was a priority for the Senate Majority throughout the budget negotiations. The agreed-upon state budget includes $10.7 million to keep each of these facilities operating.