Judge Ellison Nixes Prison Proposal

BY LEANN DILBECK –

What some viewed as an economic opportunity quickly turned into a hot topic issue that has caused much debate and controversy concerning the possibility of a new $100 million state funded and state run maximum-security prison being located within Polk County. However, Polk County Judge Brandon Ellison said he has carefully researched the opportunity and carefully considered if the issue is beneficial or not to Polk County and released his official position on the issue Monday afternoon.

“While performing due diligence in this matter, I have discovered that several million dollars will need to be pledged by our local governments for us to even prepare a competitive proposal. Because this is an important economic opportunity for us, I have spent a great deal of time researching other current rural prison communities and talked with city mayors in our county. I also have had conversations with some of the decision makers with the Arkansas Department of Corrections. I have learned that the ADC is expecting some very strong proposals from various parts of the state. When visiting with the ADC, it was made clear that the criteria set forth would be provided by the successful bidder. We could meet some of the criteria, but, requirements for the land and utilities, particularly the sewer, would be a major hurdle. Sewer plant updates or a new plant large enough to handle the volume could range from a few million to $25 million according to officials at our area water and sewer facilities.”

During the last week’s Friday night Town Hall meeting, Shea Wilson, Public Information Officer | ADC and Mike Carraway, Assistant Director of Administrative Services | ADC provided information to the over 250 people in RMCC Ouachita Center who had streamed in eager to learn more about the issue. When asked specifically, the officials said that the 1000-bed prison would generate 1.5-1.9 million gallons of waste water, require 2 million gallons of water, and 400kw / month of electricity.

Ellison continued, “At this time, I can’t see any reason to pursue this matter any further. This issue has been controversial and contentious with the public. We now have done our due diligence. The facts have been established and understood. There is no need to continue to let this issue divide us when we clearly cannot provide the basic requirements for the proposed project.”

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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