Machiasport pre-release center now open at rebuilt prison site

It's been a long time in coming and does so with a lot less publicity than when it was abruptly closed in February of 2018. The new Downeast Correctional Facility (DCF) Pre Release Center in Machiasport is now a reality.
"With both our national and state flags now raised, the state and Department of Corrections (DOC) have officially accepted ownership of the facility," says DOC Project Manager Gary LaPlante. The January 13 flag-raising quietly marked the end of a long journey for a storied building that serves both inmates and a community that vehemently fought to save it.
Rep. Will Tuell of East Machias, one member of a Washington County delegation who legislatively fought to save the minimum security prison from permanent closure, knows well the struggle that was endured. "From fighting to keep it open eight years ago, to watching it close in the way it closed; and then fighting to get it back working to hold the governor to her promise, to watching the rebuild unfold, to now seeing prisoners return, I would say it has gone full circle."
Once a place that housed inmates with numbers close to 150, the new 10,000-square-foot, self contained facility will house no more than 50 inmates, while employing 15 full time staff.
"Residents began arriving during the week of January 24," says LaPlante. "As with any newly opened unit, the DOC will likely increase the population at a slow rate, which will help to ensure staff and residents become familiar with the unit and any unforeseen issues are managed." So far 16 inmates have been transferred into the facility.
A key component of DCF has always been its work-release training program. The cooperative program places inmates with community businesses, providing a manpower resource while also benefiting inmates with vocational job training, such as carpentry, welding and automotive repair. According to DCF Unit Manager David Garrison, local employers have already been in contact with DCF leadership, and he confirms efforts are actively ongoing to initiate work-release. Included in the program is a training partnership with Washington County Community College.
LaPlante notes that there may be one potential addition to the work release program. "We are in the process of finalizing a bid package that, if accepted, will allow for the demolition of two buildings -- the old housing unit and kitchen building -- which once completed will provide a terrific location for the facility to start an agricultural program."
Details are still being worked out for the official ceremony to mark the opening of the facility, as well as to extend thanks to everyone involved. "The ribbon-cutting ceremony is going to highlight Governor Mills' and Department of Corrections' commitment to the citizens of Washington County," says LaPlante. "This is a big accomplishment. In the end I believe the community, staff, department and state obtained what was wanted, which is a new unit that is ready to continue the successful transition of residents back to the community."
Tuell echoes that sentiment, stating, "It's a big part of our area, and I am so thankful we are back on the right path with the prison serving both the inmates and the state as a whole."