State Rep. Danny Watson Has Been Notified Construction of a New Prison Has Been “Paused”

State Representative Danny Watson has been notified by Secretary of the Department of Corrections Joe Profiri the construction of a new prison is being postponed for now.  Speaking to the local media Friday at the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation Watson said, “basically what they had said was that we’re going to put on pause a prison….not only are we going to put on pause a prison for Hempstead County/Hope, Arkansas but for the whole state.”

Rep. Watson said one of the top reasons given for the postponement is the possible lack of an employable workforce.  Rep. Watson noted the Secretary of Corrections has said a couple of existing prison facilities are having staffing issues.  “It’s not the news I wanted to hear,” said Rep. Watson.   He said no timetable has been given for when the project may be reactivated.

Economic Development officials had announced earlier this year Hempstead County had submitted sites for a potential prison.  Residents in the Blevins area became concerned when it was discovered landowners in northern Hempstead County indicated their willingness to discuss the possible sale of a parcel in that area for the proposed facility.  Seen as far more feasible was a parcel located west of Hope on US 67.