The Federal Bureau of Prisons announced Thursday morning it plans to “deactivate” the Federal Prison Camp in Duluth.

“The FBOP faces several significant challenges, including a critical staffing shortage, crumbling infrastructure, and limited budgetary resources,” a press release said.

The bureau says Duluth employees and the people in custody will be moved to other facilities.

“FPC Duluth has an aging and dilapidated infrastructure, including several condemned buildings that have contaminants such as asbestos and lead paint.”

The Federal Bureau of Prisons says the 89 employees will primarily be moved to the Federal Correctional Institution in Sandstone.

“The FBOP is not downsizing and we are committed to finding positions for every employee who wants to remain with the agency,” Thursday’s statement said. “The movement of these employees will positively impact our staffing levels at several institutions and mitigate mandatory overtime and augmentation which will help alleviate the exhaustion our employees feel.”

Prison officials say they will “make every effort” to place the people in custody within 500 miles of their intended release location.

Northland politicians have begun to share their thoughts announcement. Rep. Pete Stauber said the announcement took him by surprise.

“My office was blindsided, and we are trying to figure out the reasoning behind this choice. As we learn more, we will identify what steps we can take to fix this situation,” said Stauber.

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Other deactivations include:

• Federal Correctional Institute satellite camp in Oxford, Wis.
• Federal Correctional Institute satellite camp in Littleton, Colo.
• Federal Correctional Institute satellite camp in Loretto, Pa.
• Federal Prison Camp in Morgantown, W. Va.
• Federal Prison Camp in Pensacola, Fla.

It is also permanently closing the Federal Correctional Institute in Dublin, California, a women’s prison.