The facility houses 1,100 inmates and employs roughly 560 people, but the operational costs of the 111-year-old building have become "untenable," Gov. Tim Walz said.

Union leaders say the closure leaves staff members’ futures uncertain and poses safety risks to inmates, staff and the public.

The Stillwater prison has had a long life, but after 111 years the facility housing adult males has served its time. The decision to close the prison by mid-2029 was reached as part of a budget deal between the Minnesota Legislature and Gov.