Burlington prepares for prison closure, economic loss

State officials are working to help Burlington prepare for the closure of its prison -- a move that will result in a loss of more than 140 jobs in the small community and have a large impact on tax-funded services and schools.

The Denver Post reports the Kit Carson Correctional Center closes at the end of July.

The prison has paid $1.2 million in property taxes to fund schools, the city and county. It's also the town's largest electricity customer.

Gov. John Hickenlooper's office says he's looking to use $3 million the Legislature previously approved to keep the facility open to help Burlington recover from the loss.

The closure comes as Kit Carson's population has declined. The facility has about 400 inmates, less than 30 percent of its capacity.