Norco prison will close in 2026, state officials say
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, AUG 5 – The closure will save California $150 million annually amid the lowest prison population since the 1980s and follows a statewide inmate decline of 47% since 2006, officials said.
- On Aug. 4, 2025, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced that CRC Norco will close by fall of 2026 in line with state budget directives.
- Amid recent declines in the statewide prison population, CDCR cited the dwindling inmate count to justify closing Norco in 2026 and address an $11.8 billion budget shortfall.
- CRC Norco houses 2,766 inmates and employs 1,191 staff, with an estimated $1.4 billion repair cost, CDCR said.
- The closure will save approximately $150 million in annual General Fund spending, and about 1,200 employees can transfer to other sites, CDCR said.
- Looking ahead, Norco leaders plan to transform the site, supported by local officials and anticipating the reclaiming of the historic Lake Norconian Club grounds.
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Advocates Applaud Decision to Close California Rehabilitation Center by 2026 - Davis Vanguard
Governor Newsom has decided to close the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco by fall 2026, saving taxpayers over a billion dollars in capital improvement costs and allowing the state to prioritize funding for essential programs.
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