FORT MADISON, IOWA (AP) -- The Iowa Department of Corrections plans to close its mental health center at the Fort Madison Prison.
Officials plan to transfer prisoners in the 200-bed facility this spring to mental health units in Clarinda and Coralville.
The State Corrections Director John Baldwin says the move is part of an efficiency and security initiative.
Plans are in place to gradually shut down the entire Fort Madison Prison campus after a $117 million, 800-bed maximum-security prison opens up just outside of town next year.
Some supporters say the plan will bring better mental health services. A union leader representing Fort Madison correctional officers says it's not a suitable move for prisoners.
Critics call the move a waste of tax dollars ... since the current 26 million dollar mental health facility was just built 10-years-ago.
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