Arkansas Approves Lease for New Prison

The Arkansas Board of Corrections has approved a one-year lease agreement for an 815-acre property in Franklin County, intended for a new 3,000-bed prison to address the state's overcrowded correctional facilities. The lease, negotiated by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority, allows the Department of Corrections to establish utilities and maintain the property, while not transferring land ownership. This decision follows Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' announcement of the $2.95 million land purchase, aimed at solving the state's 'catch-and-early-release' system. Despite unanimous board approval, the project faces opposition from local residents concerned about transparency, property values, and infrastructure impact. Corrections Secretary Lindsay Wallace emphasized the lease is not intended to bypass legislative oversight, and the board will revisit the agreement in December 2025. Local leaders and officials are working to address community concerns as the project progresses.