Make Alcatraz Great Again
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In 1963, Alcatraz cost three times more per inmate than other federal prisons due to barge transport for food, water, and supplies. Adjusted for inflation, annual operating costs could exceed $100 million for 200–300 inmates, compared to $50 million for a mainland facility. Alcatraz housed 260–275 inmates at its peak, never reaching its 336-cell capacity, representing <1% of the federal prison population. Even if reopened, it could hold only a fraction of the 2.3 million incarcerated in the U.S. or the 11–16 million undocumented immigrants targeted for deportation. Inmates and supplies require ferry transport, complicating security and raising costs. In 1934, prisoners arrived via heavily guarded trains and barges, a process now outdated and vulnerable to modern threats. Trump has Capone on the brain. Maybe you should watch the House Across the Bay with George Raft. As you stated in your recent interview "the late great Al Capone."
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@jon-nyc said in Make Alcatraz Great Again:
Im glad I took Mayla and the boy there in August as he probably will reopen it.
So they know where to visit you?
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When we were there in August there was a real live (and real old) ex prisoner there, signing his book. There are probably very few living Alcatraz alumni. It closed 60 years ago and it got hardened criminals who were usually middle aged or so when they arrived. He may well be the last one left.
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When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. No longer will we tolerate these Serial Offenders who spread filth, bloodshed, and mayhem on our streets.
He makes it sound like we have no federal prisons and he’s about to build the first one.
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Wait until the local shark population hears about this. They lust over the stories of yore passed down from generations of those silly humans that tried to swim for it to SF. Times were really good back then they say.
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ChatGPT:
Renovating Alcatraz Island to house prisoners again would be a massive, multiyear undertaking, facing logistical, legal, environmental, and political hurdles. Here’s a rough breakdown:
Physical Renovation Timeline: 3–5+ years minimum
• Structural restoration (many buildings are severely deteriorated): 1–2 years
• Modernization to current prison standards (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire safety, ADA compliance): 1–2 years
• Security infrastructure (cells, surveillance, fencing, control systems): 1 year
• Transportation infrastructure and staffing logistics: concurrent or 6–12 monthsTotal realistic timeline (including approvals): 5–10 years
Why the extra time?
• Environmental and historical reviews (Alcatraz is a national park and historic site)
• Legal challenges (from preservation groups, California state officials, civil rights advocates)
• Cost estimates would run into hundreds of millions of dollars, with ongoing logistical costs due to its island locationSummary:
Even with political will and unlimited funding, reopening Alcatraz as a functioning prison would likely take 5–10 years. Most experts would consider it more symbolic or performative than practical.
Want a breakdown of estimated renovation costs or reasons why it was closed in the first place?
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Interview with a still-living Alcatraz alum, Charlie Hopkins, 93:
