Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

'Short List' Of Sites Just Rumor

Prescott is still in the running for a proposed minimum security prison complex.

However, according to Jim Sharkey, executive director of the Nevada County Economic Development Office, the rumors of Prescott being on a "short list" are just that -- rumors.

Sharkey said representatives from the Department of Corrections and the Corrections Corporations of America visited Prescott Monday, April 15 for an hour, all the time all prospective communities are given to show what they have to offer. He said it was an "excellent" visit, but by no means is Prescott assured of being selected as the site for the prison.

In fact, Sharkey said these officials told him they were planning to visit nine other communities which had shown interest in the prison before making a decision by May 2.

Prescott, El Dorado and Warren, Sharkey said, appear to be at the top of a matrix devised by the CCA. The matrix was created by a list of specific criteria required for the complex.

Sharkey said the representatives were impressed by the response they got in Prescott and how well prepared the community was for the visit.

The representatives told Sharkey the community did an excellent job with its presentation, despite the fact it only had one hour to "show off" its wares.

While in town, the group toured the area and visited the proposed site of the prison, along with taking a few minutes to meet with area leaders.

Officials with the CCA sent letters to communities across Arkansas, Sharkey said. Of these, 12 communities responded favorably, with Prescott being one of the dozen.

Letters of support have been sent to the CCA from area legislators from outside this district. Sharkey said these lawmakers understand the impact a prison would have on the economy here and in their own districts.

Should the prison locate in Prescott, it will create 180 jobs with good wages and benefits. This, in turn, will add to the area's tax base. Sharkey said the prison would also create spin-off businesses as well.

"It would have a significant impact on the area," he said. "We're fortunate to be in the running. We're keeping our name in front of them."

This economic prospect is much different than most, according to Sharkey. Normally, preliminary meetings are kept quiet and the public isn't informed.

In addition, this project is progressing at an astonishing rate when compared to average situations. In some instances, from the time a community is first contacted until an announcement is made by a prospect, years pass.

"I hope people don't get their expectations up and expect all prospects to go like this," he said.

Sharkey said even if Prescott is not selected, this has been a positive move for the area. One of the CCA representatives told him there would be future projects of this nature, and it is already known Prescott is interested.