Maine’s newest correctional facility is now open after four years of construction.
The old Maine Correctional Center was built more than 100 years ago, back in 1919. It’s now been replaced with a brand-new correctional center.
The first thing that’s noticeable about the new center in Windham is how much more welcoming it is, not only for the 463 inmates, but the staff as well, with a new dining hall, gym, library, school and visitation center.
“The visit room used to be essentially in the basement,” Maine Department of Corrections Director of Operations Gary LaPlante said. “Much smaller than this. Much less opportunities for the residents to actually enjoy time with their kids.”
The cells are new as well. One pod holds up to 80 inmates.
Corrections officials said the new facility will help put those inmates on a better path, so they don’t end up back in the facility.
“We know that people arrive at the Maine Department of Corrections with mental health, substance use disorder, learning disabilities, trauma, all those sorts of backgrounds,” Maine Corrections Commissioner Randall Liberty said.
More than 60 percent of all Maine inmates have a substance use disorder, 45 percent with an opioid addiction alone.
From the moment they arrive, they’re assessed and started on a treatment program.
“We really focus our resources and services on providing the level of treatment that they need,” Deputy Corrections Commissioner Dr. Ryan Thornell said. “We offer suboxone, methadone, counseling sessions, peer recovery services. Our goal is that they then have a continuity of care plan upon release into the community.”
In addition to treatment, they can learn a trade or take college classes.
“If we take advantage of not just the physical space, but also our operational philosophies, hopefully those are part of the formula that helps us meet our goals,” Warden Anthony Cantillo said.
The new correctional facility came with a high price tag, about $143 million, paid for by the state and taxpayers.
Liberty believes it is money well spent.
“This is an important investment for the taxpayers from the state of Maine, I think,” Liberty said. “For us to provide the programming and the treatment that’s needed for the individuals in our care, this was critically important. And I think it will have a great impact and make our community safer.”