NCJ Number
143603
Journal
Keepers' Voice Volume: 14 Issue: 2 Dated: (Spring 1993) Pages: 25-26
Editor(s)
J Maghan
Date Published
1993
Length
2 pages
Annotation
The town of Appleton, Minn. issued $28.5 million in revenue bonds to 900 investors 2 years ago to build a private prison in hope of renting cells to house State prisoners, but so far no State or county government has yet agreed to spend the money to send inmates there.
Abstract
The town decided to construct the prison in the hope that it would reverse its economic decline and loss of jobs. The prison appeared to be a sure success, because State prisons across the country are overcrowded and have been ordered by courts to address the problem. With 472 beds, the medium-security Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton already has a staff of 85 and needs at least 200 inmates to open. When it is operating fully, it should employ at least 160 people. If the correctional personnel are laid off, the prison will lose its operating license and no State will sign a contract with it. However, the town is hopeful; one unnamed State is reportedly close to signing a contract to send some of its prisoners to Appleton. If all goes well, Appleton will pay off its bonds in 30 years or less and will have complete control of the prison and the profits. Map and photograph