Even though the inmate population has dropped dramatically over the past 25 years, there simply aren’t enough correction officers to go around and keep Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Washington County open. That’s the reason State Corrections Commissioner Daniel Martuscello gave for why he made the decision to close the maximum-security prison this November.

Correction officers aren’t interested in transferring there, Martuscello said.

The decision leaves roughly 650 workers to transfer to other facilities or look for other careers.

Two-hundred people have already asked to be transferred out of Great Meadow, Martuscello said. He expects more will this week as HR meets with them.

The commissioner addressed the claim that there have been $200 million in improvements and repairs to Great Meadow over the past five years. It was actually $54 million, he said.

As part of a last-ditch effort, people have been rallying to save the prison and its jobs. While Martuscello said he appreciates the right to rally, the decision to close on Nov. 6 is a done deal, he said.

Hear Martuscello discuss how being a former correction officer himself made the decision to close the prison even harder, by watching the video of Mark Mulholland’s story.