Several Arkansas cities and counties have submitted proposals to host a proposed $100 million prison that would house maximum-security inmates in the state.
Friday is the deadline for communities to submit paperwork if they want to be home to the new prison, which officials say is needed to accommodate the fast-growing inmate population. The Legislature must approve funding when it meets next year for the project to move forward.
If funding is approved, the prison is expected to employ 250 people with an average hourly salary of $12.75.
Department spokeswoman Dina Tyler says the agency has received proposals or expects to receive proposals from eight entities. They are: Cross County, Pike County, Mississippi County Economic Development, Arkadelphia, Augusta, Marshall, Pindall and a joint proposal from Columbia, Ouachita and Union counties.
