Charleston, Arkansas – In a move aimed at enhancing public safety and economic development, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, along with key officials, announced Arkansas’s latest investment in prison infrastructure. The state has purchased a vast parcel of land in Charleston, Arkansas, for a new correctional facility to address the state’s significant prison bed shortage. The announcement marks Arkansas’s first major prison expansion in over two decades, set to provide much-needed capacity for housing inmates and hundreds of permanent local jobs.
Governor Sanders Aims to End “Catch-and-Early-Release” System
The new prison project is positioned as a critical step toward ending Arkansas’s current “catch-and-early-release” cycle, a system Governor Sanders deems unsustainable for public safety. “I promised the people of Arkansas we would address our state’s prison bed shortage, and today, I’m announcing the first major investment in our state’s prison capacity since my dad was governor,” she said. This facility is expected to reduce the need for early release programs and keep violent offenders off the streets.
Besides the safety benefits, Sanders emphasized the economic impact of the new prison, which promises significant long-term employment opportunities for residents of Charleston, Franklin County, and the greater River Valley region. “This new facility will offer hundreds of permanent, recession-proof jobs and millions of dollars in investment,” the governor added.
Addressing Arkansas’s Growing Prison Bed Crisis
Arkansas currently faces a shortage of over 3,000 prison beds. The state has been incurring annual costs of nearly $30 million to house inmates in county jails, where resources are stretched thin, and rehabilitation programs are limited. Governor Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Corrections have recently opened 1,100 new beds, yet this expansion alone cannot meet the state’s needs. This new facility is expected to alleviate the burden on county governments and free up local jails for those who commit misdemeanors, improving public safety and allowing counties to refocus resources on their communities.
“The Department of Corrections’ mission is to provide safety and hope for Arkansans, but we won’t accomplish that effectively without adequate bed capacity,” said Arkansas Secretary of Corrections Lindsay Wallace. The department has worked diligently to address the crisis and aims to add hundreds more beds soon. Chairman of the Arkansas Board of Corrections, Benny Magness, praised Sanders’s decision, calling it a “bold action” necessary to solve the state’s longstanding bed shortage and improve safety.
Strategic Location and Economic Potential for Charleston and Beyond
The state’s choice of an 815-acre, secluded site in Charleston, Arkansas, aligns with a thoughtful approach to infrastructure and staffing. This land, purchased for $2.95 million, offers existing amenities essential for building and maintaining a large-scale facility, such as water lines, electricity, cell reception, and access to a nearby fire department. Located near a skilled workforce of over 100,000 potential employees, the new prison is set to provide nearly 800 jobs once completed, with an average salary estimated at $46,600. This influx of jobs is projected to benefit the local economy substantially.
Furthermore, during its construction, the prison will require hundreds of millions of dollars in one-time construction spending. Local infrastructure, including roads and utilities, will also be enhanced to support the facility, bringing long-term improvements to the area.
Community Leaders Applaud the New Facility
The prison project has gained support from community leaders and legislators who believe it will help alleviate the growing strain on local resources. Attorney General Tim Griffin highlighted that the current shortage has left county jails overcrowded, leading to situations where misdemeanants go unpunished due to lack of space. Griffin added, “A new prison providing significant additional capacity for the state is critical for the implementation of the Protect Act, which will make all Arkansans safer.”
Local leaders echoed this sentiment, recognizing the broader impact on community safety. Speaker of the House Matthew Shepherd commended the decision as a strong step toward a safer Arkansas. “Construction of a new prison demonstrates our strong resolve to combat crime, protect Arkansans, and uphold accountability for our most dangerous offenders,” Shepherd stated.
Other officials, like Senate President Bart Hester, pointed out the benefits of Arkansas’s focus on public safety. “With safe streets, great schools, and Arkansas’s natural resources, Arkansas will continue to attract high-paying jobs that are leaving states not committed to these priorities,” said Hester, emphasizing that such projects make Arkansas a more attractive place for families and businesses alike.
Law Enforcement Backs Expanded Correctional Facilities
The project has garnered widespread support from Arkansas’s law enforcement community, particularly from the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association and the County Judges Association. Scott Bradley, Executive Director of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association, expressed gratitude for the state’s commitment to public safety. “Your dedication and commitment to improving public safety and strengthening our correctional infrastructure is invaluable to our communities,” he said, thanking Governor Sanders and the state legislators for their steadfast focus on enhancing security across Arkansas.
Judge Rusty McMillon, President of the County Judges Association of Arkansas, underscored the need for increased bed capacity for state inmates, stating that the new facility would allow deputies and officers to focus on community safety rather than handling overcrowded detention centers.
Board of Corrections Approval is the Next Step
Before construction begins, the Arkansas Board of Corrections must approve the prison site. Once this formality is addressed, the state will be able to start the planning and development phase. The construction process will be extensive, likely requiring several years before the facility becomes operational. However, with each step forward, the state will make progress toward resolving its prison bed shortage and providing enhanced support for Arkansas’s law enforcement.
The anticipated Charleston facility represents a significant step forward in Arkansas’s journey to strengthen public safety, reduce overcrowding in local jails, and bring economic growth to the River Valley. As Arkansas faces these challenges head-on, officials are optimistic that this new investment will lead to long-lasting benefits for communities statewide, reinforcing the commitment to public safety and setting the stage for a stronger, safer Arkansas.
