In the late 1960's, a legislative committee recommended that all State and county correctional programs and facilities, except for local lockups, be integrated into one State system operated by a State Department of Corrections. Legislative action subsequently supported this change. Controversy continued regarding whether to replace the State's maximum security prison, but funding and philosophical considerations resulted in its closure and a change to an exclusively community-based system. The statewide system includes a high security, long-term central facility, a long-term minimum security facility, and four regional community correctional centers. A continuum of programs is available to offenders including basic and vocational education and correctional industries. Intensive supervision, house arrest, and other approaches are also used. Providing appropriate alternatives and improving programs while responding to fiscal constraints is a constant challenge.