Bonne Terre prison to get first inmates

Our neighbors to the north at Bonne Terre, Mo., in St. Francois County delighted in the news some years back that the state would build a $168 million prison in their community. It would be the state's largest.

This long-sought economic boost would be a big plus for the town, they thought.

And so it may be, but it hasn't been much of one to date.

That's because, having finished construction earlier this year, the state didn't have the $12 million necessary to fully equip it nor the $45 million required annually to run it.

A few months ago, state officials told local leaders the facility wouldn't fully open until 2003.

So the brand new prison sits idle and nearly empty, a monument, if you will, to inadequate financial planning.

Financial commitments necessary to its construction made by the city have meant the small community has struggled as the huge facility, designed for 2,700 inmates has sat unused.

Now comes the state to announce it will move 50 inmates into the Bonne Terre facility.

The inmates will take part in a 120-day program designed for offenders on probation or seeking probation. The boot camp-style program combines physical training, community service and educational classes.

Fifty inmates in a facility designed for 2,700 are surely better than none.

Perhaps, as Bonne Terre councilman Gene Archer said, this will "get the ball rolling" for the entire facility to open.

Perhaps it will also serve as a wake-up call to lawmakers and state budget planners to do better next time.