Vermont’s prison system is another step closer to being overhauled.
Legislative negotiators reached a tentative agreement yesterday on a plan that would move woman inmates to the St. Albans prison and close the existing women’s facility in Waterbury.
One sticking point between the negotiators was the speed with which the restructuring would take place, as legislators try to wrap up the 2008 session.
The prison plan is designed to reduce the rate of growth in spending by the Corrections Department.
In addition to closing the Waterbury prison, the restructuring would move non-violent male offenders to a new, less-expensive work camp. The savings from the changes would be invested in increased substance abuse treatment and housing for prisoners after they are released.