State Rep. Mike Hoadley (R-Au Gres) today led the Michigan House in passing a measure allowing for the sale of the property currently owned by the state and maintained by the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) in Standish. The former prison has been closed since 2009, but MDOC still oversees and maintains the facility and grounds.

“This move is long overdue,” said Hoadley. “This facility hasn’t been functionally used in 16 years. Yet, taxpayers have been footing the bill to keep and maintain it. It’s time the state sells this property and ensures our tax dollars aren’t continuing to go to waste.”

The bill passed the Michigan House Wednesday afternoon and is now headed to the Senate. Hoadley is hopeful the state can soon get the ball rolling to sell the long-vacant property.

“Standish Prison has been deteriorating and collecting dust since 2009,” said Hoadley. “There are no downsides to this. Transferring the property and using it for something, anything, is better than using it for nothing.”

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