As legislative session winds down the fate of Pine Lodge approaches

By RYAN LANCASTER

Staff Reporter

The field of possible outcomes for Medical Lake's Pine Lodge Corrections Center narrowed last week, when Gov. Chris Gregoire's state budget proposal was joined by a Senate plan on Saturday, Feb. 27.

The Senate budget, developed by the Democratic majority and approved by a 25-19 vote, recommends the prison's population be reduced by 50 percent to 86 offenders by fiscal year 2011. This would eliminate 11 full time employee positions and would bring an estimated $1.3 million in savings. “The Department of Corrections is to evaluate options for incarcerating women...