FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2025

Village of Allouez Commends State Action Advancing Closure of Green Bay Correctional Institution

ALLOUEZ, WI – The Village of Allouez is commending the recent action by the Wisconsin State Building Commission to release $15 million to begin implementing Governor Tony Evers’ comprehensive correctional facilities plan — a key step toward the long-awaited closure of the Green Bay Correctional Institution (GBCI).

The approval marks a significant milestone in a process the Village has advocated for over the past decade. Built in 1898, GBCI has long been recognized as an outdated and overcrowded facility that presents growing safety, infrastructure, and financial challenges for the state and local community alike.

“The release of these funds represents real progress toward a goal our community has worked toward for years,” said Allouez Village President Jim Rafter. “Closing GBCI is not only about modernizing our correctional system, but also about doing what’s right — for taxpayers, for those who work there and live near the facility, and for the individuals in custody who deserve humane, secure, and rehabilitative environments.”

Governor Evers’ plan — supported through bipartisan budget action — focuses on modernizing Wisconsin’s correctional system through a cost-effective series of facility upgrades and conversions. Rather than building a new billion-dollar facility, the plan invests in improving and repurposing existing infrastructure. The $15 million released by the Commission will fund initial planning and design work at several Department of Corrections sites, paving the way for the eventual closure of GBCI.

“This action by the State Building Commission reflects thoughtful planning and bipartisan cooperation,” Rafter added. “The Village of Allouez appreciates Governor Evers, the Legislature, and the Commission’s commitment to advancing this important work in a way that balances public safety, fiscal responsibility, and community priorities.”

The Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) and Department of Corrections (DOC) are already selecting an architect-engineer team to develop design plans for these realignment projects. The release of these funds ensures that work can begin promptly, keeping the state’s broader correctional modernization effort on schedule.

The Village of Allouez remains committed to working with state and regional partners to support a smooth transition and to plan for the future reuse of the GBCI property in a manner that benefits the local economy and residents.

“This is the closest we have ever been to realizing a goal shared by this community and our state leaders,” Rafter said. “It’s a milestone worth recognizing — and an important step toward a stronger future for Allouez and Wisconsin.”
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Contact:
Jim Rafter, Village President
Village of Allouez
(920) 448-2800