FREDERICKTOWN PROPOSAL FOR PRISON NOW ON HOLD

FREDERICKTOWN -- The proposal for a new Missouri women's prison has been put on hold.

"We heard, unofficially, that the project was on hold," said Don S. Maddux Tuesday. Maddux is city administrator at Fredericktown, one of five communities still in the running as the site of the facility, which would house from 300 to 500 inmates.

Gail D. Hughes, deputy director of the Missouri Department of Corrections, which sought applications for a site within a 75-mile radius of downtown St. Louis, verified that the project was on temporary hold.

"We haven't had a confirmation that the project has been dropped," said Hughes. "But, the governor did not put funds in the budget for it, so it is on hold."

Hughes said he was still negotiating with the five communities, however, and hopes to arrive at some decision within the next two or three weeks.

"We realize that there could be a hitch in the plans," said Maddux. "But, we're still hopeful, and we'll continue to keep our bid in."

Maddux emphasizes that the facility would be a big economic boost for the Fredericktown area.

"We feel that such a facility would not only help Fredericktown, but would impact other areas throughout Madison, Iron and Bollinger counties," said Maddux.

The facility would provide 200 to 250 jobs with an annual payroll of about $4 million.

The Missouri Department of Corrections said Fredericktown, Montgomery City, New Florence, Sullivan and Vandalia were finalists for the prison.

Hughes said the prison would house medium- and maximum-security inmates. It would replace Renz Correctional Center near Jefferson City, which would be converted to a minimum-security prison for up to 400 men.

Maddux said the site proposed by Fredericktown was located in northwest sector of the city: The site is located on a hill and falls into the prerequisite required for the prison facility. It is surrounded on one side by a mountainous area; another side by the St. Francois River; another side is surrounded by trees; and on the fourth side is a man-made border, a highway.