LANSING — State Sen. Ed McBroom and state Rep. Greg Markkanen have announced new legislation that would allow the state to sell the former Ojibway Correctional Facility, which was hastily shuttered by the state Department of Corrections in 2018.

Senate Bill 1075 and House Bill 6150 would authorize a potential sale by the state Department of Management and Budget.

“The surprise closure of the Ojibway Correctional Facility was a loss to the people of Marenisco and Gogebic County,” said McBroom, R-Waucedah Township.

In addition to the prison jobs lost, area businesses have lost out on tens of millions of dollars through ripple effects of the closure, he said.

“This legislation will return the property to the tax roll as well as offer potential employment with future businesses that purchase the facility,” said Markkanen, R-Hancock. “We have been working with local community leaders on ideas for the site’s redevelopment and appreciate all of their efforts to that end.”

SB 1075 was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration, while HB 6150 was referred to the House Appropriations Committee.