Citizens of Hempstead County voices concern about the possible new prison

The Hempstead County Quorum Court heard from several county residents concerning the possible new prison that is being considered for Hempstead County.

Cathy Woll who presented a petition to Jps opposing the proposed prison from the citizens of Blevins. She stated citizens were afraid that the new prison would be an increase in crime and drugs the area. Wolls also stated the state has only presented the benefits of a new prison and they wanted an analysis of how prisons affect adjacent communities.

Hannah Humphrey also spoke to the Quorum Court about how prisons dehumanizes both prisons and employees. She also stated utilities were often strained and there would be a need for additional law enforcement in the area.

Emily Wood was the next to speak. She asked why the community was not informed sooner that Blevins was being considered for a possible prison. Wood asked if the state would be purchasing the land. She also addressed concerns about work release programs and how that could potentially take jobs away from area residents.

A fourth speaker asked if the water facility in Prescott could adequately provide water for the facility.

Steve Harris of the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation spoke toward the concerns of the Blevins community. He stated two sites were being considered in Hempstead County. The one in Blevins and the other next to the city landfill.

Harris said Hempstead County is a manufacturing dependent county and needed to diversify and a prison system was a recession-proof industry.

He also stated there had only been two escapes in 18 years from the Newport ADC facility and no escapes from the Malvern facility.