Lawmakers closer to shutting Sugar Land prison

  AUSTIN, TX (KTRK) -- Texas budget negotiators have agreed on prison funding that would close a more than century-old unit near Houston to save money.

Legislative leaders Wednesday announced a prison budget of $6.1 billion, which is part of the overall state spending plan still under review.

The proposal includes closing the Central Unit in Sugar Land to save $50 million over two years. Backers say the acreage, near Sugar Land Regional Airport, could be sold for economic development.

The proposal is about $100 million, or 1.6 percent, less than the current prison budget. The measure includes raises for about 30,000 corrections employees as part of career-ladder increases.

Senate Criminal Justice Committee Chairman John Whitmire of Houston says the plan would maintain inmate security, treatment and rehabilitation.

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