Benefits of inmate work programs, woodshop projects travel both ways at Luster Heights

By Kelli Boylen
freelance writer

Editor's Note: This is the second of two articles about Luster Heights Correctional Facility. The Governor’s proposed 2014 budget calls for the closure of Luster Heights.  Last week Standard readers learned about the operation of Luster Heights. This week readers will learn about the impact the facility has on the local area.

Allamakee County Board of Supervisors Chairman Larry Schellhammer said at a recent County Board meeting that if the Luster Heights Correctional Facility were located in Polk County, it would be lifted up as a “model” for other correctional facilities in the state instead of it being considered for closure.
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad’s budget recommendations for 2014 include closing Luster Heights, eliminating the 15 jobs there, and then dedicating that money to the operation of new prison beds at Mitchellville. The annual per prisoner cost at Mitchellville is $29,784, compared to $19,559 at Luster Heights.
Last week, readers of The Standard learned about what Luster Heights does for the inmates there, but the benefits of the minimum-security facility actually go both ways.
Luster Heights has agreements, referred to as 28E Agreements, to provide work crews as needed for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at Yellow River State Forest, Allamakee County Roads Department, City of Marquette, City of McGregor, City of Lansing, City of Harpers Ferry, Waukon Park and Recreation, Eastern Allamakee Community School District, and Allamakee County Conservation.
The value of the work of both 28E work crews and community service is significant. In fiscal year 2011, the work done in local communities was valued at $239,492; in fiscal year 2012, the value was $234,610; and for the first six months of fiscal year 2013 (July 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012) that value was $122,607.
The value of the work is calculated by multiplying the hourly wage for what a new hire would be paid with the hours of work that are performed by the inmates.
Kris Kovarik, one of the three corrections counselors at Luster Heights, says the community work “lowers their costs and the burdens on the local taxpayer, increases positive outcomes from offenders and allows them to serve their sentences productively.”
The public entities using inmate labor pay $5 per day per person. The inmate receives a total of $4.16 for up to 10 hours of work a day, and the remainder goes to cover administrative costs.
But more important than the pay that they receive, which can be used to buy things like envelopes or a soda during designated hours, many inmates learn about the sense of accomplishment from a job well done and the pride that comes from working on larger projects. “At the end of the work day, many of the guys are excited about what they did that day and want to tell you all about it,” says Kovarik.
Waukon City Council member Joe Cunningham says the Waukon City Park has always been a beautiful and well cared for park, but by utilizing inmates from the Luster Heights facility, park maintenance has been taken to new levels. “My best guess is that their efforts account for at least 80 percent of the labor-intensive improvements undertaken in the park over the past two years,” he says.
Cunningham continues, “As a volunteer, my interaction with the inmates has been primarily on woodland restoration projects, and trail and bridge building. I found the inmates to be hard working, courteous and respectful.  Their efforts allowed us to accomplish many more tasks… It is difficult to put a price tag on what they helped us do, but it is very significant.”
The Governor’s proposed closing of the Luster Heights facility will significantly impact Waukon, Cunningham says. “Our city budget cannot fund staff to replace them.”
“One of the biggest impacts, in my opinion, will be on the inmates themselves,” Cunningham adds. “This program, allowing inmates to work in communities, comes at a time during their incarceration that allows for some assimilation back into the ‘real world.’”
He concludes, “I am very grateful to have had the chance to work on park projects with the inmates and hope that they also took something away from the experience. I hope the legislature will restore funding for this very cost effective facility for both the benefit of inmates and the communities they have assisted.”
Marquette City Administrator Dean Hilgerson agrees. He says the City of Marquette has felt “privileged to participate in the Luster Heights inmate work release program.”
He explains, “Obviously, it has been a benefit to the City to have the inmates assisting with various public works projects as well as routine maintenance.  In addition to that, we welcome the opportunity to be providing an avenue for inmates to begin the process of returning to main stream society, proving to themselves and others that they are ready for a new way of life.”
Bob Honeywell, Area Forester at Yellow River State Forest, says the loss of inmate labor if Luster Heights was closed would slow work there considerably. “Inmates participate in trail maintenance, mowing, equipment maintenance and operation, tree planting, timber stand improvement, logging, and also work in the sawmill in the spring.”
Honeywell continues, “We feel that the program not only benefits us, but also provides inmates with job skill training that they can use when they get out of prison. A closure would affect pretty much our entire operation here, even though we are generally only using two to three inmates on a daily basis… more for tree planting and other big jobs. At this point, we are not sure what we could do, if anything, to replace that labor force given the condition of state budgets.”
The total budget at Luster Heights is $1.6 million. That figure includes the wages of 14-15 full-time employees, most of who live in northeast Iowa and many who have children in local school districts and own homes in the area.
State Representative Patti Ruff says, “Luster Heights is a valuable asset to the Department of Corrections in the way they rehabilitate offenders, and they do it at a low cost to the taxpayers of Iowa. It would be devastating if it closes. I will continue to fight for Luster Heights and do everything I can to keep it open.”
Anyone who wishes to express their support for Luster Heights is encouraged to write Sen. Michael Breitbach, 301 W. Mission Street, Strawberry Point, IA 52076 or e-mail him at Michael.breitbach@legis.iowa.gov; write to Rep. Patti Ruff at 1331 Jade Avenue, McGregor, IA, 52157 or e-mail her at patti.ruff@legis.iowa.gov; and address their concerns to Governor Branstad at 1007 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319, 515-281-5211. Comments can also be submitted to the Governor online at https://governor.iowa.gov/constituent-services/register-opinion.