Arkansas’s ambitious plan to construct a 3,000-bed prison encountered significant challenges in the state Senate on Tuesday, while at the same time, Alabama’s Legislature secured the necessary funding for its own large-scale prison project.
The governors of both states, who belong to the Republican party, have advocated for new prison facilities as a means to address persistent issues within the correctional systems. This initiative reflects a broader trend among Republican governors across various states who are confronting the increased need for better funding in overcrowded prison facilities.
The Arkansas Senate witnessed a pivotal vote on the matter, with a 19-10 tally in favor of a bill intended to authorize up to $750 million for the prison project. However, the proposed legislation did not garner enough support to proceed to the House, as it fell short of the required 27 votes.
This outcome presents a setback for the prison plan, which Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and other correctional officials argue is vital to alleviate the overcrowding crisis within state prisons. Currently, a significant number of inmates are being held in county jails due to overcrowded state facilities.
The prison project has faced criticism from local leaders who argue they were caught off guard by the decision to acquire 815 acres for the site. Detractors have also expressed doubts about the financial feasibility of the $825 million estimated project cost.
Despite the state allocating roughly $405 million to the plan, the source of the remaining funds remains unidentified. Republican Sen. Bryan King, known for his opposition, remarked, “I cannot imagine letting go of almost a billion dollars without any detailed specifics.”
It is uncertain if the Senate will re-evaluate the proposal. Nonetheless, the office of Gov. Sanders remains committed to the cause, asserting the need for funding the Franklin County prison and public safety. Spokesperson Sam Dubke affirmed, “The governor will continue to work with the legislature to get this appropriation passed.”
In Alabama, plans for a massive prison were bolstered as the House of Representatives voted 72-14 to authorize the state to borrow an additional $500 million for prison construction endeavors.
Republican Rep. Rex Reynolds, who chairs the House budget committee, mentioned that this increased borrowing capacity is designed to ensure the completion of a second 4,000-bed prison alongside another already in progress. He noted that the funds might come from state resources, with borrowing considered a fallback if necessary.
Reynolds clarified, “This is a bill we hope we do not have to use, but it’s a safeguard,” emphasizing that state-issued bonds would only be pursued if absolutely essential. The bill now awaits the signature of Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey.
Back in 2021, the Alabama Legislature had greenlit a $1.3 billion initiative to erect two large-scale prisons as a partial solution to the issues of violence and overcrowding plaguing the state’s prison system. Yet, the escalating costs related to constructing one facility, including medical and mental health infrastructure, have soared past $1 billion, potentially jeopardizing plans for the second facility.
There has been pushback from some Democrats who argue that the state should prioritize other crucial areas such as healthcare, education, and mental health over prison construction. Rep. Thomas Jackson, a Democrat, voiced his concerns, stating, “I’m kind of disturbed about the state of Alabama investing billions of dollars in prisons while rural hospitals are closing, and education is ranked 43rd in the nation.”
The new 4,000-bed prison currently being built in Elmore County, Alabama, is anticipated to open its doors by 2026.