The Correctional Release Center at the Newton Correctional Facility sustained significant water damage shortly after noon during Thursday’s major thunderstorm, according to Fred Scaletta of the Iowa Department of Corrections.
Scaletta said the damaged area, Living Unit – Dorm #4, houses 54 minimum-live-out offenders, and the unit was evacuated due to the water damage.
“With additional storms forecasted, as a precautionary measure, offenders were relocated to other rooms at the facility for temporary housing until the area is determined to be safe,” Scaletta stated. “No staff nor offenders were injured. Visits and volunteer activities have been suspended until further notice.”
This morning, Scaletta stated in a news release that the Samuels Group, Blackhawk Roofing and Integrity Cleaning had mobilized their resources in the facility recovery efforts.
“Their rapid response have helped mitigate the water damage. The building is structurally sound,” Scaletta stated. “Ongoing assessments will continue however our current plans include returning the dorm to its routine operations within the next couple of days.”