Arkansas prison bill advances amid tribal land dispute
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The 815-acre site for a proposed Franklin County prison is seen in the background. Photo: Worth Sparkman/Axios
A $750 million appropriations bill for the proposed prison project in Franklin County was approved by the Joint Budget Committee on Thursday, a day after members of the Chickamauga Nation claimed the land as an archaeological site, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette first reported.
Why it matters: The contentious 3,000-bed project's location is opposed by many area residents, who were surprised by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' October announcement that the state had purchased land for the project.
- Many lawmakers and public safety officials note the need for more state prison capacity as inmates wait in local jails, creating overcrowding at the county level.
State of play: Members of the Chickamauga tribe are buried on the land, Chief Jimmie Kersh told the Democrat-Gazette on Wednesday.
- "These are the graves of our people. … The sacredness of this area is amazing," he said.
The 815-acre site was formerly the Toby Breeden Ranch and was purchased by the state for $2.95 million.
- A state Department of Corrections spokesperson told the paper there's been no evidence of a burial site.
- A state site assessment doesn't mention burial sites, artifacts or archaeological features.
"This is an absurd claim based on a group that is not recognized by the state or federal government, and this claim's only purpose is to try and derail the Franklin County prison," a Sanders spokesperson said in an email.
- In a post on its website Wednesday, the Chickamauga Nation said it is a federally recognized tribe, but is not on the list of tribes eligible to receive services from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.
The latest: Thursday's appropriations bill is the second attempt to earmark money for the project. The budget committee voted down a $330 million proposal in late February due to a lack of a firm estimate on the project's construction costs.
- The following week, the state's contracted construction management firm provided a letter estimating the cost at $825 million.
- In response, Sen. Jonathan Dismang (R-Little Rock) filed SB354, seeking appropriations "not to exceed" $750 million, which takes into account $75 million already set aside.
What they're saying: "While we aren't privy to the tribe's internal affairs, we think this is yet another example of the importance of doing due diligence prior to spending taxpayers' money purchasing property for a theoretical prison," Adam Watson, executive director of Gravel & Grit, an advocacy group that opposes the project.
- "Projects of this nature demand local input and cooperation, to understand and avoid cultural and other issues," Watson told Axios, adding that the appropriations recommendation is "shortsighted."
The other side: "This is a strong step forward toward the Governor's goal of building a safer, stronger Arkansas, and the Governor encourages all members of the General Assembly to support our county judges, sheriffs, and law enforcement and finally address Arkansas' chronic prison bed shortage," a Sanders spokesperson said to Axios about the appropriations bill.
What we're watching: It remains to be seen how the state will deal with the Chickamauga Nation's claim.
- The appropriations bill will advance to the Senate floor, but it's not yet scheduled.
More from Axios:
Staff turnover is staggering in Arkansas' prison system<br/>Proposed legislation seeks to thwart Arkansas prison project<br/>Proposed Franklin County prison price set at $825M
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional comments from Gov. Sanders' office and information about the Chickamauga Nation.