Lawrence County will revisit its stance on trying to lure a state prison to the region. This after a Monday night meeting where the Quorum Court voted 5-4 against applying for the $100 million dollar facility that could bring with it at least 500 jobs. The Sun Newspaper reports a flurry of outrage from angry citizens is what is bringing the issue back for consideration. While the five justices that voted against the maximum security prison cited safety concerns, County Judge Dale Freeman tells the Sun his phone has been flooded with calls of people who are upset the Quorum Court voted against the facility. Those citizens say they want the economic benefits that could come with a new state prison, such as the possibility that big businesses could be attracted to the county. Freeman says he has called a special meeting Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at the Lawrence County Courthouse to revisit the issue. If the county changes its decision, the county will then apply with the state for the new state prison. Freeman says he has 400-acres ready for the facility and he says Walnut Ridge would be a perfect location for such a facility, due to its airports and two colleges in town.
Lawrence County will revisit the prison debate in a special meeting next week
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