Northern Panhandle residents would be delighted to have the new jobs that would come with a new state prison in Ohio County. But before state officials proceed with an expensive new prison, they should consider whether it is a good, necessary investment.
As we have reported, some state legislators want to consider building a new prison to alleviate overcrowding at existing facilities. About 1,000 prisoners who should be housed at state prisons are being accommodated at regional jails because of overcrowding at the prisons.
A gathering involving law enforcement officials and legislators this week is intended to look at potential solutions to the problem. One being discussed is construction of a 1,200-bed prison.
During that discussion, state Sen. Ed Bowman, D-Hancock, suggested that the Northern Panhandle would be a good location for a new prison. Ohio County Commissioner Randy Wharton, asked by our reporter about the idea, sounded enthusiastic. He noted that county-owned property near the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport would be an excellent site for a facility such as a prison.
Again, we agree that for various reasons, the Northern Panhandle would be a good location for a new prison - if one is built.
But correctional facilities are very, very expensive. A new medium-security federal prison is being constructed in McDowell County. It is to have 1,280 beds - and cost about $189 million.
Bowman, in promoting this area as a good place for a prison, added that the cost of building one is a big concern. "Of all the years to look at additional funding, this is the first in many years where we're really going to have to tighten our belts," he cautioned.
We agree. State officials have done an excellent job in paying down public debts during the past several years. Issuing bonds to finance a new prison would build new debt. And ongoing costs for operation and maintenance would be a burden.
Again, we'd love to have the new prison - if it is built. Before deciding to proceed with it, state officials should exhaust other possibilities for dealing prudently with prison overcrowding. Their decision should be based on whether a new prison would save the state money - or merely increase the size of government.
If, however, the decision is to go ahead, Bowman and Wharton have indeed identified the best location.