LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Corrections announced on Monday that the estimated maximum cost of the new 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County is $825 million. That estimate was reached after consulting with Vanir Construction Management.
In authorizing that spending, Budget Chairman Sen. Johnathan Dismang (R-Searcy) and Rep. Lane Jean (R-Magnolia) filed companion appropriation bills for $750 million, and another $75 million that was already approved as part of Act 95 in the General Assembly.
The State has already directed $405 million toward the total estimate of $825 million.
“This estimate lets us move forward quickly on the long-overdue prison project and build a safer, stronger Arkansas,” Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. “I look forward to working with our partners in the legislature to get this appropriation passed.”
Arkansas Department of Corrections officials voiced their excitement to see the goalpost ahead.
“This estimate allows us to move quickly toward breaking ground on the Franklin County prison and building the long-overdue, 3,000-bed facility we know our state needs,” Arkansas Department of Corrections Secretary Lindsay Wallace said.“We look forward to working with the Governor and legislature to secure the resources we need to build the prison and create a safer, stronger Arkansas,”
“Everyone knows we need a new prison to address our state’s prison bed shortage, and I look forward to working with legislators to secure the funding necessary to build this facility quickly,” Chairman of the Arkansas Board of Corrections Benny Magness said.
Once those funds are appropriated, the State can work with the Owner’s Representative to move forward with drawing up in-depth plans for the prison and breaking ground as soon as possible.
Arkansas currently has a shortage of more than 3,000 prison beds, requiring the state to spend almost $30 million each year to house inmates in county jails.
Governor Sanders announced the purchase of an 815-acre plot in Franklin County to build the new prison in October of last year, at a total cost of $2,950,000.
Officials say the parcel offers the infrastructure needed for a new prison, including cell reception, water lines, electricity, and a nearby fire department, and is also close to more than 100,000 working-age adults who could staff the new facility.
The property is large enough to offer privacy to both neighbors and inmates and is expected to employ almost 800 people at an average salary of over $46,600, based on estimates.