BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Idaho’s Senate vote to spend $1.9 million to take over a prison whose private operator came under fire for fraud over staffing.
The Spokesman-Review reports Thursday’s 34-0 vote would dedicate the cash to transition the Idaho Correction Center to a state-run facility.
Nashville, Tenn.-based Corrections Corporation of America operated Idaho’s largest prison since it was built more than a decade ago.
But it’s been plagued with allegations of mismanagement, rampant violence and chronic understaffing - including falsified reports to make it seem like more guards were on duty than actually were.
The push to take back the prison has been gaining support.
For instance, Sen. Steve Vick of Dalton Gardens initially opposed spending the $1.9 million, but now says he’s OK with it.
The House now votes on the measure.
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Information from: The Spokesman-Review, https://www.spokesman.com
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