As a result of rapid overcrowding in Alabama’s correctional facilities, the state will be building the most expensive prison in the history of the United States.
The prisons in Alabama were, as of April of 2023, operating at 168% capacity. This number has only grown since. The overwhelming amount of prisoners in Alabama housed in poor and cramped conditions even led the U.S. Department of Justice to file a lawsuit against the state for the dangerous living situation. This led the state legislature to plan out the new prison in 2022. It was initially going to be two large prisons, but the plan has since evolved to dictate one massive prison.
The prison will be located in Elmore County, which is positioned in the center of the state near Montgomery County. The state has allocated $1.08 billion for the construction of the facility. In addition to be historically expensive, the prison will be extremely large. The state seems to hope that the 4,000 bed building- which is set to be finished in May of 2026- will be able to mitigate the overcrowding issue.
Other states are implementing similar plans for new facilities. Georgia even has plans in the works for a prison which will cost about 610 million dollars more expensive than Alabama’s. Many claim that these new prisons will, of course, address the issue of overflowing prisons, but also, they hope these facilities will provide better conditions for the prisoners. Those opposed to the idea, however, believe that tax payer dollars should instead go toward rehabilitation programs, as this would lower the reoffending rate and the crowding in prisons.
Written by Abigail Winsett
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