More new Prisons: MTC In Pinal County.

Arizona: MTC plans

http://www.inmaricopa.com/NEWS/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?mid1=430&&ArticleID=8081

New prison could land in Pinal County

By Michael K. Rich 

April 14, 2010 

A new housing structure could be built 20 miles southeast of Maricopa; however, most residents won’t like what it takes to qualify to get a room.

“We have responded to a request put out by the state looking for companies to build a 5,000-bed prison,” said Carl Stuart, communications director for Management and Training Corp. Management and Training is a Utah-based company that runs private prisons and Job Corps sites across the country, including two private prisons in Arizona.

In early February, the Arizona Department of Corrections began accepting bids and will continue to do so until May 7. State law requires the department to award 20-year contracts by June 30.

“Arizona prisons are overcrowded, and we need more room,” said ADOC spokesman Barrett Marson.

The proposal the company submitted to the state calls for the prison to be constructed on 226 acres of county land near the southeast corner of Montgomery Road and Selma Highway. The facility would house male minimum- to medium-security level non-violent criminals.

Although a land purchase is yet to be made, the company has an option on the parcel identified for the project and is already looking to schedule a hearing before the Pinal County Planning and Zoning Commission on May 20, and before the county Board of Supervisors on June 2.

The company would also be required to host several public hearings and receive zoning and site approval for the site. The prison would take between 12 and 24 months to construct and would cost between $100 to $300 million. The facility would have an annual payroll of $30 million to $40 million, and employ 600 to 1,000 people.

“Any employment opportunity that presents itself to the people of Maricopa is fantastic news,” said Danielle Casey, Maricopa economic development director.

If you’re interested in learning more about the site, a public meeting will be held tonight at Francisco Grande, 2684 Gila Bend Highway, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.