Study Offers Prison Fixes

A study of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections by the Durant Group said the 17 state prisons need more than $500 million in repairs and renovations.

Recommendations include $220 million in renovations and upgrades to existing facilities, and adding another 2,600 beds at a cost of $292 million. The total cost, including new medical units and laundry facilities, is set at $512 million.

Most of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester should be demolished, along with large correctional facilities in Granite and Fort Supply, the report said.

“With the Oklahoma State Penitentiary being over 100 years old, the buildings and infrastructure are showing considerable wear and have outlived their usefulness,” according to the study.

The report estimated that it would cost $246 million to replace the main prison, which holds more than 2,000 inmates.

A performance audit of the prison system in 2008 said state correctional facilities were under-funded and at their capacity limits.

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