GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, MI - A state prison in Kingsley, south of Traverse City, will shut down in September as Michigan's prison population continues to drop.

The closing will save $22 million in the coming fiscal year, the state Department of Corrections said.

The prison employs 230 people.

Staff was advised Tuesday, May 31, that the prison, Pugsley Correctional Facility, will close in September.

Pugsley Correctional Facility in Northern Michigan is scheduling for closing in September, state Department of Corrections officials announced Tuesday, May 31.

"While this is a difficult day for the staff at Pugsley, the ability to close a facility is a result of the hard work by so many across the department to help bring down our prison population," MDOC Director Heidi Washington said in a statement.

The statewide prison population dropped below 42,000 for the first time in nearly 20 years. The population peaked at 51,554 in March 2007.

Prison officials said the number has declined with fewer being sentenced to prison, and programs keeping probationers out of prison and parolees from returning.

An "Offender Success" focus includes supervision of probationers and parolees, and education and opportunity inside prison.

The state has closed or consolidated more than 25 facilities and camps since 2005, saving $370 million, the Department of Corrections said.

"This closure will provide the maximum savings possible to taxpayers," Washington said.

The Department of Corrections will begin working with workers and union leadership to allow staff to fill vacancies or possibly bump workers at other prisons.

MDOC will also work with the Department of Talent and Economic Development and Michigan Works to help displaced workers.

In deciding which prisons to close, officials look at the age of the facility, cost to operate, the need for upgrades, open beds and impact on staff.

Pugsley opened in 1956 and has 1,344 beds. Of the 230 workers, 133 are corrections officers.

The prison is expected to close Sept. 24.

John Agar covers crime and other issues for MLiveE-mail John Agar: jagar@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ReporterJAgar