Little Rock, Arkansas — The state has made a significant investment of $2.95 million in land acquisition for a new prison, aimed at addressing the rising number of state inmates currently confined in county jails. This announcement was made on Thursday by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders along with corrections officials.
The state has secured 815 acres of land located in Charleston, which is approximately 106 miles (170 kilometers) northwest of Little Rock. Before any construction can commence, the site must receive the green light from the state Board of Corrections.
Governor Sanders expressed optimism regarding the new facility. She stated, “This new facility will help end our failed system of catch-and-release, and protect our communities by keeping violent offenders off our streets.” Additionally, she noted that the development would bring hundreds of stable, long-term jobs and substantial investment to Charleston, Franklin County, and the River Valley.
Details regarding the total cost of the new prison and the timeline for construction have not yet been disclosed by prison officials. Last year, Sanders advocated for the creation of 3,000 new prison beds, and lawmakers allocated $330 million for that purpose. Furthermore, another $75 million, initially designated for expanding a prison unit, is available for this new facility’s funding.
Currently, approximately 2,500 state inmates are being housed in county jails. Officials estimate that once the new prison is operational, it will create close to 800 jobs with an average salary exceeding $46,600.
Chairman of the Arkansas Board of Corrections, Benny Magness, praised Governor Sanders for her proactive approach in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the state’s corrections system. He stated, “This facility demonstrates our commitment to building a better prison system and a safer state.”
Last year, changes to the state’s sentencing laws were signed into effect by Sanders, which eliminated parole eligibility for certain violent crimes. Critics of these changes have raised concerns that this could exacerbate the existing overcrowding issues within the prison system.
This initiative comes in the wake of a year-long conflict between Sanders and the Board of Corrections concerning control over the state prison system. A judge had previously blocked a law that attempted to reduce the board’s authority over the state corrections secretary and other key officials. The board contested the law on constitutional grounds.
The state has filed an appeal regarding the unfavorable ruling, and the matter is currently pending before the Arkansas Supreme Court.