Franklin County prison construction plans are approved by the Arkansas Board of Corrections

Little Rock, Arkansas – Despite strong opposition from locals, the Arkansas Board of Corrections voted on Friday to approve the purchase of land for a new state prison.

The administration of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders estimates that the prison will cost about $470 million and be constructed on $2.95 million worth of land in Franklin County.

Residents of Franklin County attended a town hall on Thursday to express their annoyance and worries on the proposal.

The manner in which they learned about the new prison also infuriated a number of Arkansas Board of Corrections members, many of whom claimed to have learned about it on the day of the announcement.

According to board members, they also talked about the concerns brought up during the meeting last night and requested assistance from the governor’s office in resolving them.

In response, a representative from the governor’s office stated that the administration is fully dedicated to this initiative and recognizes the magnitude of the task.

The board then examined the prison’s future plans and authorized the site purchase.

After the board gave its approval, Sanders released a statement:

“Thank you to Chairman Magness and the Board of Corrections for their vote for a safer, stronger Arkansas this morning,” Sanders stated. “It’s time to finally address our failed catch-and-early-release strategy for violent offenders and make the first investment in our jail system in twenty years. We’ve put this off for far too long. While we spend hundreds of millions of dollars in Franklin County and generate hundreds of good-paying, recession-proof jobs, I pledge to collaborate with community members throughout the jail construction process.”

Sanders urged the Board of Corrections to increase the number of beds more than a year ago, which sparked the movement to construct a new jail in Arkansas.

Sanders made the proposal as part of his “Protect Arkansas Act,” an early administration plan that called for hiring correctional officers, building a new prison, and providing overtime for state troopers.

Last year, the back and forth resulted in litigation and the expulsion of board members. It is anticipated that the new state-run prison in Franklin County will create about 800 additional employment.