Loss of prison would be latest blow to downstate Lincoln, a town christened with watermelon juice by Old Abe himself – Chicago Tribune/Yahoo

Proponents of relocating Logan Correctional Center say it would give women incarcerated there better access to health care and other services that aren’t as readily available in central Illinois. But the economic impact for Lincoln could be harsh. According to an April study from the University of Illinois, closing Logan would result in the direct loss of 493 jobs, while the Lincoln area could lose out on more than $61 million, a figure that includes county, state and federal taxes.