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Our Opinions Among the items that died in the last legislative session was one for further studies for a new prison to replace the worn-out Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka. The Alabama Department of Corrections had already started the process of reviewing sites for a new women's prison and a location near Thomasville here in Clarke County was one of four being considered. The City of Thomasville and the Clarke County Commission committed funds to help lobby for the prison that was touted as a jobmaking facility and something that would help the local economy. We agree that a state women's prison could help our area economically. Although a new prison has been delayed, we don't think the money allocated was wasted. The state is going to have to do something about Tutwiler sooner than later and we can still be in the running. Tutwiler is awful. The Southern Center for Human Rights has recorded numerous violations of a federal court order that requires the state to improve conditions at the 65-year-old facility. The prison was built for 400 inmates but often houses 900 or more. The report detailed numerous problems- from broken windows to dormitories so crowded that beds are only inches apart. The report concluded that only a new facility will solve the problems. Corrections Commissioner Richard Allen said the state hopes to replace Tutwiler with a new prison in 2009.
We just need to keep our powder dry, so to speak, and wait. The opportunity to vie for a new prison will return.
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