Lawmakers Consider Leaving Prison Empty

Joshua Tucker, APRN – Anchorage

The Mat-Su valley’s new 70-acre prison complex is almost complete.  The Goose Creek Correctional Center will be able to hold 1,500 prisoners. The Department of Corrections had hoped it would open next year, but the legislature voted to withhold the prison’s first year operating budget Friday. Lawmakers are concerned because Goose Creek would cost the State a projected $70 million a year to run. Some lawmakers think that cost is too high and are considering leaving the prison empty permanently.

Download Audio (MP3)

Previous articleFate of Goose Creek Prison Remains Uncertain
Next articleConstraints on Cook Inlet Beluga Recovery Team Sparks Controversy