AUGUSTA (AP) — The Maine Department of Corrections has proposed a $150 million renovation and expansion of the Maine Correctional Center in Windham.

Officials with the department say expanding the prison would allow them to close or consolidate several other facilities. They say that would ultimately save the state more than $10 million in operating costs per year.

The Portland Press Herald reports the project would expand treatment for substance abuse and sex offenders and help address a space crunch for Maine’s growing population of female inmates.

The project is down from a $173 million estimate provided last month. The department made its pitch to the Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee on Wednesday.

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