Amador County - At Tuesday’s Board meeting, Supervisor Richard Forster expressed his concern over the possible closure of another major institution, the Preston Youth Correctional Facility in Ione. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is considering closing a number of correction facilities and prisons as a result of the State budget crisis. “Preston is high on the list of potential closures, and if it were to close it would have a devastating impact on Ione and Amador County,” said Forster. After the meeting ended he said that roughly half the people in town are associated with or employed through Preston or Mule Creek Prison. Forster said Preston has become an institution and, as a result, Ione has become a company town. “There is well over 100 years of history and that needs to count for something,” said Supervisor Louis Boitano. Forster encouraged the other Supervisors to spread the word about the pending decision and talk to people within Preston who may have influence at a State level. The item was not an official part of the agenda but may be added to a future meeting. Story by Alex Lane
Amador
