I caught a snippet of some History Channel show on 30’s-era crooks, with a mention of how some attempted to escape from Alcatraz.
Which made me think- why did they ever stop using it?
The island is it’s own great security, and there’s a definite shortage of prison space these days… if it’s a matter of bringing the place up to code, unless there’s like asbestos everywhere, why would it be cheaper to build anew rather than upgrade existing facilities?
Do the quiz and the last question will answer your question.
This site seems to explain http://www.sanfranciscovisitor.com/Alcatraz1950on.html , that it cost too much. The environment’s hostile, and everything has to be boated in.
This isn’t the forum for personal opinion, but as a Bay Area person, I hate the place. Imagine looking out across the bay to enjoy a sunset, or watch the fog rolling in… and seeing an exceptionally ugly prison that used to house murderers. I wish they’d level it and plant trees.
Sorry somehow I left off the Bureau of Prisons site that explains in more detail.