Lawmaker raises flags on private prison bids
Source: By Ann Imse, Rocky Mountain News (CO), June 9, 2006
A state representative is calling for an audit on the bidding for the state's new private prisons for men, saying both finalists have serious problems, and one has been aided by a former state prison official. An audit could hamper the Department of Corrections' attempt to rush construction of 2,250 new private prison cells. The state is running out of space for its fast-growing inmate population, and wants the first 750 beds constructed and open in just 20 months. The contract is worth about $45 million a year at current rates.
...... She also questioned why Geo is asking Pueblo to use city bonds to finance that prison, when the company won the bid with the promise of private financing. McFadyen also raised issues about the second finalist, Corrections Corp. of America. CCA had a riot at one of its private prisons in Crowley County in 2004.