BREAKING: State Senate budget saves Ogdensburg prison, closes Moriah, Lyon Mountain

The Senate’s spending plan released today calls for the closure of two North Country prisons, but would restore funding for the correctional facility in Ogdensburg.

According to the budget proposal, Lyon Mountain in Clinton County and Moriah Shock in Essex County would close this spring.

State Senator Darrel Aubertine – who is part of the Democratic majority – won passage of a resolution that would keep the Ogdesnburgh prison open.

But Democratic leaders signed off on the Governor’s plan to consolidate dormitories at prisons across the state.

That change would affect correctional facilities in Altona, Malone and Ray Brook.

Union officials and community leaders in the North Country say the cuts will mean hundreds of job losses, devastating local economies.