CHARLESTON HEADS LIST FOR PRISON SITE

There are still several hurdles to cross, but folks in Charleston who have been working hard to get the Mississippi County seat selected as the site for a new state prison are elated. A legislative committee this week picked Charleston as a finalist for one of two prisons to be built in Missouri.

Although the legislative committee was unable to agree on the second site recommendation, this should be settled in a few days, and then the committee's choices will go to Gov. Mel Carnahan, who has the final say on the matter.

Prisons have become a big factor in economic development, particularly in rural areas of Missouri. The statistics are impressive: Millions of dollars in construction costs, 365 prison jobs, an annual payroll of more than $9 million and up to 1,500 inmates.

A strong contingent of Charleston residents has been pushing to keep the town at the top of the site list. Included in their proposal are such things as providing the site, which the city would obtain for $500,000 to $700,000, and free water and sewer hookups.

Proponents in Charleston cite the dire need for jobs. The county's unemployment rate is hovering at 10 percent, well above the statewide average. The town still hasn't recovered from the closing of a shoe factory a few years ago.

Those who favor locating the prison in Charleston can take their hats off to the unstinting efforts of several people who have been to Jefferson City and have met with state officials in recent weeks. Among them are former state Rep. Betty Hearnes and the city manager, Dave Brewer.

Not everyone in Charleston favor the prison proposal, but the opposition and promoted the positive aspects of other kinds of economic development rather than wage a war on the negatives of a prison.

All in all, Charleston has made quite a showing for itself by becoming one of the finalists that will be forwarded to the governor. Without a doubt, the supporters will be keeping of the effort to make sure the governor gives the nod to Charleston for one of the two new prisons.