Group proposes closing smallest Wash. prison

The Associated Press

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SEATTLE A consulting group has recommended that Washington state close its smallest prison, the Ahtanum View Corrections Center in Yakima, to cut costs.

Christopher Murray and Associates made the recommendation in a final report last week, and it's almost identical to a draft report last month. The state's Office of Financial Management will take it under consideration as it develops the governor's 2010 supplemental budget.

Ahtanum View houses elderly and infirm inmates.

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The consultant also suggests either closing the old buildings at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla or downsizing a facility on McNeil Island to a minimum-security prison.

The goal is to eliminate 1,580 prison beds across the state.