Possible Closure of Units at Coyote Ridge

CONNELL, Wash. - Fewer inmates in Washington State Correctional facilities has led to discussions of possibly closing some units across the state, including the "E", "F" and "Camas" areas of Coyote Ridge in Connell.

The DOC notes at least 3,600 of the 18,000 prisoner bed are empty, and there are a few reasons why.

Among them, fewer referrals and sentences from local courts, as well as population reduction efforts including the "State versus Blake" State Supreme Court decision which voids all drug convictions for simple possession.