US President Donald Trump is seeking $152 million (£115 million) to reopen the infamous Alcatraz prison as part of his proposed budget for the 2027 fiscal year. Located near San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, the site, also known as The Rock, was once regarded as one of America's most notorious prisons but has served as a tourist attraction in recent years.
The budget request is seeking money 'to rebuild Alcatraz as a state-of-the-art secure prison facility', with funds covering the first year of costs. The plan has encountered skepticism from several California politicians, who express concern over the final cost and challenges of operating Alcatraz as an active prison.
The maximum security facility was closed in 1963. It is currently managed by the National Park Service and brings in about $60 million in revenue annually. Critics of Trump's proposal, including former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, claim it is 'absurd' and a waste of taxpayer dollars. They have pointed out that Alcatraz presents significant logistical challenges such as a lack of running water and sewage, and that the cost of running the facility was once three times higher than any other federal prison.
Trump's vision includes housing 'America's most ruthless and violent offenders' in a substantially rebuilt Alcatraz. This ambitious proposal is part of a larger $1.7 billion investment into the Bureau of Prisons aimed at enhancing security and capabilities across federal facilities. However, approval by the US Congress is necessary for the funding to proceed.
The budget request is seeking money 'to rebuild Alcatraz as a state-of-the-art secure prison facility', with funds covering the first year of costs. The plan has encountered skepticism from several California politicians, who express concern over the final cost and challenges of operating Alcatraz as an active prison.
The maximum security facility was closed in 1963. It is currently managed by the National Park Service and brings in about $60 million in revenue annually. Critics of Trump's proposal, including former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, claim it is 'absurd' and a waste of taxpayer dollars. They have pointed out that Alcatraz presents significant logistical challenges such as a lack of running water and sewage, and that the cost of running the facility was once three times higher than any other federal prison.
Trump's vision includes housing 'America's most ruthless and violent offenders' in a substantially rebuilt Alcatraz. This ambitious proposal is part of a larger $1.7 billion investment into the Bureau of Prisons aimed at enhancing security and capabilities across federal facilities. However, approval by the US Congress is necessary for the funding to proceed.
