Decision Sparks Outcry from Local Officials and Residents
The Arkansas Board of Corrections voted Friday to approve an 815-acre site for a proposed 3,000-inmate prison, a project that has sparked backlash from local residents and officials who say they were not consulted before the state purchased the land. The new prison, promoted by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and corrections officials, is intended to alleviate the backlog of inmates housed in county jails due to limited state prison capacity.
Prison Site Chosen Amid Concerns of Transparency
The Board of Corrections confirmed the purchase of the $3 million site in Charleston, roughly 106 miles northwest of Little Rock. Though the board ultimately voted to move forward with the project, the decision has raised significant concerns among local residents and public officials who learned of the state’s purchase only recently. Many attendees at a town hall on Thursday criticized the lack of a public hearing prior to committing millions in taxpayer funds.
“Before committing millions of taxpayer dollars to such a major project in Franklin County, the state should have held a formal public hearing,” said Rosemary Underwood, a Charleston resident, addressing the board via Zoom. The virtual meeting saw nearly 300 participants, indicating strong public interest.
Plans and Funding: An Uncertain Path Ahead
Gov. Sanders has been vocal about the need for new prison infrastructure in Arkansas, urging lawmakers to allocate $330 million for prison expansion, with an additional $75 million previously intended for expansion of a prison unit now available for this new project. Despite the vote, neither the timeline for construction nor an exact budget has been disclosed by officials.
“This vote today starts a lot of studies and planning,” said Benny Magness, Chairman of the Board of Corrections, noting that while the chosen site would allow officials to move forward with preliminary research, there remains a slight possibility that it may not meet all requirements.
Community Voices and Concerns Over Transparency
Local opposition has been vocal in recent weeks, with residents and officials expressing frustration over the lack of community engagement. Lee Watson, a board member who abstained from voting, emphasized his concerns over the quick decision-making process, saying he felt there had not been enough public discourse surrounding the decision.
“Given the magnitude of this decision, I don’t feel like I’ve had sufficient time to make an informed choice,” Watson stated, calling for additional public discussions.
Governor’s Response and Commitments
Gov. Sanders expressed gratitude for the board’s decision to approve the site, assuring residents of ongoing engagement with the community as the project advances.
“We have put off this critical need for far too long,” Sanders stated, referring to what she describes as a long-overdue investment in the state’s prison infrastructure. She added that the project would address what she termed the state’s “catch-and-early-release” problem, referring to the rapid release of inmates due to overcrowded jails.
