MATTHEW BROWN Associated Press | Posted: Wednesday, May 6, 2009 12:00 am |
A consultant to the Montana Department of Corrections is recommending construction of a $371 million prison in the Billings area to handle a projected increase in the state's inmate population.
Preliminary plans call for an 1,800-bed facility - slightly larger than the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge.
It would hold all classes of prisoners, from burglars to murderers. Both male and female inmates would be held there, although in separate parts of a complex that would cover at least 245 acres.
A precise location has not been proposed.
A governor-appointed advisory council is scheduled to decide today whether to forward the idea to Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer. Also under consideration is a $176 million, 1,781-bed expansion of lower-security community correction programs, such as prerelease centers.
Perfect point. The money boys and politicians of Billings do not want to see Hardin, their Bighorn river playground become too expensive because of property values. This plan illustrates that point and the fact that our local media is in lock step is just plain frightening.