NCJ Number
101863
Date Published
1985
Length
57 pages
Annotation
This study, conducted from October 1984 through April 1985, identified optimal locations for new Washington State prisons, comparing the advantages and disadvantages of urban with rural locations as well as six 'baseline' general locations.
Abstract
The study identified site-specific factors that impact prison construction and operating costs. Construction costs were determined through interviews with construction professionals, and operating costs were estimated from information supplied by corrections managers. Selected current operating costs at six existing locations were determined from accounting records and interviews with corrections personnel. The study recommends that future State prisons be close to major population centers, given the lower construction costs compared to rural areas and their accessibility to medical, dental, and mental health services and certain education services. Prison sites in industrial areas are cost competitive with other sites. Of the six hypothetical locations compared, the general vicinity of the intersection of I90 and State Route 18 is the most cost effective. Appendixes summarize recommendations, the comparative fiscal impact of prison construction at the six sites, and Department of Corrections comments on the study report.