FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ark. — Arkansas has announced the purchase of 815 acres in Charleston, Franklin County, for $2.95 million to build a new prison. State officials, led by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, hope the facility will ease overcrowding in county jails by adding thousands of prison beds to the state’s correctional system. The site, located about 106 miles northwest of Little Rock, still requires final approval from the state Board of Corrections before construction can begin.
“This new facility will help end our failed system of catch-and-early-release, and protect our communities by keeping violent offenders off our streets,” Sanders said in a news release. “For Charleston, Franklin County, and the River Valley, it will offer hundreds of permanent, recession-proof jobs and millions of dollars in investment.”
The new prison is expected to employ nearly 800 people at an average salary of over $46,600. Although the total cost and construction timeline have not been provided, the state previously allocated $330 million for the addition of 3,000 prison beds, with an additional $75 million in funds available from a prior expansion plan.
Arkansas currently holds around 2,500 state inmates in county jails, a situation that has placed strain on local resources. Arkansas Board of Corrections Chairman Benny Magness expressed his support for the new facility, calling it a significant step toward addressing the state’s prison bed shortage. “I have been proud to work with Governor Sanders to address the longstanding issues facing our corrections system,” said Magness. “This facility demonstrates our commitment to building a better prison system and a safer state.”
Last year, Sanders signed legislative changes eliminating parole eligibility for certain violent offenses. While intended to strengthen public safety, these changes have drawn criticism from opponents who argue they may exacerbate prison overcrowding. The prison project also follows a legal dispute over control of the state’s prison system, with Sanders seeking greater oversight of correctional operations. A judge blocked a law transferring authority from the Arkansas Board of Corrections to state officials, and the state has since appealed to the Arkansas Supreme Court.
The facility represents a strategic investment for the Charleston and River Valley communities, providing a boost in jobs and economic development. The new prison will contribute to the local economy while helping alleviate overcrowding statewide, offering counties the opportunity to refocus resources on community safety and services.
