- the funds would cover the initial phase of transforming the historic site into a “state-of-the-art”
- However, the plan has drawn criticism from several California politicians
- Concerns have also been raised about the logistical challenges of operating a prison on the island
U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed allocating $152 million in his 2027 fiscal budget to restore and reopen Alcatraz Island as a modern high-security prison.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the island, located near the Golden Gate Bridge, was once one of America’s most feared correctional facilities before it was shut down in 1963.
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In recent decades, it has operated as a major tourist attraction managed by the National Park Service.
According to the proposal, the funds would cover the initial phase of transforming the historic site into a “state-of-the-art” detention centre designed to house some of the country’s most dangerous offenders.
However, the plan has drawn criticism from several California politicians, who question both the practicality and cost of reviving the facility.
Among the critics is Nancy Pelosi, who dismissed the idea as wasteful and unnecessary, arguing it would squander public funds and undermine common sense.
Concerns have also been raised about the logistical challenges of operating a prison on the island, including the lack of basic infrastructure such as running water and sewage systems.
Historically, Alcatraz was significantly more expensive to maintain than other federal prisons, largely due to the need to transport all supplies by boat.
Lawmakers are also worried that converting the site back into a prison could impact its status as a popular tourist destination, which currently generates substantial annual revenue.
The proposal forms part of a broader $1.7 billion investment plan for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and will require approval from Congress before any work can begin.
Originally built as a naval defence facility, Alcatraz later served as a military and then federal prison, housing notorious criminals such as Al Capone and George ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly.
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