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Indiana youth boot camp targeted for closure to stay open

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – A boot camp for juvenile offenders in northwestern Indiana that was targeted for closure will remain open.

Gov. Mike Pence said Tuesday that his new state budget proposal to legislators will include maintaining current funding for Camp Summit in LaPorte.

The Department of Correction had planned to close the paramilitary-style boot camp in October and transfer the 72 boys housed there to community-based programs or other state facilities. That move was put on hold after protests from area lawmakers and other supporters of the camp.

Pence says he appreciated the department’s effort to save money but he was swayed by testimonials about the camp’s success.

Indiana House Democratic leader Scott Pelath had called the closing decision a “misalignment of priorities” and unnecessary with a $2 billion state surplus.