Fort Madison, IA – A recent study may improve Fort Madison's chances of keeping the Iowa State Penitentiary.
The report says Iowa could save $22,000,000 if a new 800 bed maximum security prison is built, instead of renovating the current facility.
Representative Phil Wise (D-Keokuk)says that if the report is followed, lawmakers should vote, next year, to begin the 5-year project in Fort Madison.
He says the entire region must make keeping the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madision its top lobbying priority.
You can hear more with Representative Phil Wise by clicking the audio link above.
Additional Information
The Iowa Legislature set aside $500,000 for a study that will focus on prisoner classification and construction.
The women's correctional facility in Mitchellville is the other top construction priority for the state.
Wise says a new facility could cost $110,000,000; which the state would have to borrow.