Governor Hutchinson intends to expand ADC system

State officials are expecting the state’s prison population to grow by 1.4 percent over the next 10 years – from a current figure of around 14,000 to more than 16,000 by 2031.

Hutchinson said prison populations are increasing again after a temporary decline during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hutchinson said he intends to fund an expansion of the North Central Unit in Calico Rock for an additional 500 prison beds. The expansion would be paid through the state’s surplus revenue. Hutchinson said he anticipates the cost at between $60-100 million.

Over 2,000 inmates bound for a state correctional facility are currently being held in county jails across the state. State officials hope the expansion of the North Central Unit will alleviate the burden county jails are bearing by being forced to house so many convicted felony inmates.