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Hickenlooper Says Prison Closing Frustrating

LAS ANIMAS, Colo. (AP) - Gov. John Hickenlooper says his decision to close the aging Fort Lyon Correctional Facility was frustrating but necessary.

Hickenlooper met with staff members on Tuesday and assured them that finding another use for the facility is one of his top priorities.

The facility is set to close March 1 because of state budget cuts. Officials say more than 200 jobs are at stake in the closure.

The closure is expected to save $6 million a year, according to the Pueblo Chieftain.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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