Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

JPs Hear Update From EDO, Chamber

Nevada County Justices of the Peace (JPs) met for about twenty minutes during the regular meeting Monday, November 13.

During the meeting, JPs heard reports from Prescott-Nevada County Economic Director (EDO) Jon Chadwell and Prescott-Nevada County Chamber Director Mary Godwin.

Chadwell informed JPs of the prison project involving privately owned and LaSalle Management of Louisiana which hopes to place the first private-owned prison in Nevada County.

It is anticipated three new prisons will be requested by the Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC) during the upcoming legislative session, according to officials, though Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has requested all departments keep their budgets about the same.

Chadwell said if the state can approve funding for one new prison or is unable to approve funding for even one new prison, then there is a strong chance LaSalle could get a contract enabling them to build a unit which is planned for Nevada County.

ADC has shown some concern about privately owned prisons, according to Chadwell.

The ADCs concerns are based on problems at Newport with the state owned but privately run prison system there, according the Chadwell.

He told JPs LaSalle has tried to relieve ADCs fears by letting them tour their prisons in Louisiana and talk with any Louisiana elected official involved with and working with LaSalle.

Chadwell updated JPs on the Prescott Rural Water Project which affects northern Nevada County.

Almost 400 people have signed up for rural water, according to Chadwell. This may not be enough in some areas and a few of those already signed up may be cut from the project.

Chadwell said cutting anyone from the project is the last thing that needs to be done and hopes residents who have signed up while the majority of their neighbors may have not should contact those neighbors about joining the program.

Decisions about where the water will finally be available will depend on the costs. Chadwell said the water bills have to be less than $40 per month.

A prospect is looking at the new industrial park, according to Chadwell. He told JPs things were looking very well.

Godwin informed JPs of the current status of an industrial prospect she had been working with for several years.

She told JPs that soil preparation costs have been the factor in the company's decision about locating in Nevada County.

Both Chadwell and Godwin promised to keep JPs abreast of the problems and advances.