Could leasing be the answer to new state prisons? Legislative and Judicial Are Sometimes DUMB
Rickey StokesViewed: 1871
Posted by: RStokes
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3347901729
Date: Dec 20 2018 8:54 AM
MONTGOMERY: The majority of the people in lock up in Alabama Prisons could be in a less secure facility then spending millions and billions on new prisons. It is just those making decisions in the legislative and judicial branches of government are not in the real world. They are unable to think outside of the box and no idea of what they are doing.
Take for instance the current Houston County Community Corretions Building next to the Houston County Courthouse. For the price of maintaining and operating that building, a metal building could be constructed that was better suited and used for housing those serving time through community corrections. I mean, if you work during the day then a building with bunk beds is better suited. Then the current building could be torn down and much needed parking used.
Some old schools that are closing could be renovated into cells for offenders. Yes, there are some that need locking up. But Alabama has sufficient space for that.
But the majority of the people in lockup do not need "prison cells" but rows of bunk beds and the buildings surrounded by fences.
John Watson could have the buildings constructed in a few months.
But that would take common sense. And often times those in the branches of government are, well dumb!
TEXT RICKEY STOKES (334) 790 - 1729
ALABAMA POLITICAL REPORTER
Some lawmakers expressed alarm when Department of Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn revealed at a recent Contract Review meeting that the state was looking to spend $1 billion to build three new mega-prisons.
Less than two years ago, the Legislature rejected a plan by then-Gov. Robert Bentley to spend approximately $850 million on four mega-prisons. Now it seems the prospects of securing funding for a smaller project with a higher price tag is being met with skepticism if not outright revolt.
But there is another way Gov. Kay Ivey’s administration can acquire new prisons without legislative approval.
State governments increasingly are turning to private companies for new prison facilities through a build and lease agreement.
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