Plan to close Jean prison draws criticism

State Prisons Director Bob Bayer proposed the closing to save the state $10 million, even though Nevada sent prisoners out of state last year because of overcrowding.

New Gov. Kenny Guinn, looking for ways to cut state spending by $140 million, latched onto Bayer's idea in his State of the State address, asking him to stand for applause.

Not only does Bayer's plan to mothball the Jean prison save $10 million, but it will create new revenue for Nevada, according to the governor. After closing the prison, the state could lease the facility to other states.

"This idea not only saves money, it also helps turn a liability into an asset," Guinn said enthusiastically.

Lawmakers, though, aren't so sure.

Knowing the unrelenting growth of the inmate population, Assemblyman Morse Arberry, D-North Las Vegas, wondered where the state would put the Jean prisoners.

Arberry said construction of the new $83 million Cold Creek State Prison, south of Indian Springs, is behind the original schedule that called for completion in October this year.

"It may be meritorious," said Sen. Bob Coffin, D-Las Vegas. "But this idea also may be the most controversial proposal of his administration."

The Guinn-Bayer plan calls for inmates at the Southern Nevada Correctional Center at Jean to move to the Cold Creek prison when the first 1,008-bed phase of the facility opens in June 2000. They also want the Legislature to move quickly to approve funding for a $50 million second phase of the prison. The next phase, also 1,008 beds, tentatively could be finished in August 2000.

Public Works Board Manager Eric Raecke said if the work schedule is kept, there would be between 900 and 1,000 spare beds in the prison system. The state prison system now houses about 9,200 inmates.

Prison officials expect 7 percent and 5 percent increases in the inmate population during the next two years.

With the backing of the Legislature, Bayer said the 142 employees at the Jean prison would transfer to the Cold Creek facility. Instead of driving about 40 miles south from Las Vegas to work in Jean, workers would head 40 miles northwest to Cold Creek.

"We would have an experienced staff to open the new prison," Bayer said. "We have never had that opportunity before. We could move from Jean and save the state money. If we face a crisis later, then we still have a prison available."

A sampling of employees revealed mixed feelings about their potential move.

"I think it's a good idea. I'm looking forward to working at the other prison. I think there is a lot of opportunity working at such a big prison," said senior correctional officer Richard Weaver.

Rick Gilyard, however, was worried about his drive.

"I don't like it anymore than the next person who works here," said Gilyard, a correctional officer. "Those who are OK with it live on that side of town."

While Raecke might envision a bed surplus for only a year, Bayer wants to start discussions to lease the empty Jean prison for long periods to other states or the federal government.

Other states would pay Nevada for housing their inmates at Jean. They also would be required to contribute to the $855,000 in costs that will be needed for prison repairs in the next two years.

But Bayer would specify in leasing agreements that the facility would be quickly returned to Nevada if the state needs space for its inmates.

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