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Utah spends $12.4 million for 323 acres to build new State Prison

Posted at 6:53 PM, Nov 04, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-04 20:53:39-04

SALT LAKE COUNTY -- Utah spent $12.4 million on the land for the new state prison off I-80 and 7200 West, officials announced Friday.

When the planning started, the state predicted the cost of the land would be up to $30 million for 500 to 600 acres. However, after studying the land as well as building and construction needs, they determined they only needed 323 acres.

Several groups expressed concern about the environmental impact of the prison’s new location.

“The whole last year had been spent studying that area and testing,” explained Marilee Richins, the State Administrative Services Deputy Director. “Seismic tests, soil tests, chemical tests, and air tests. So, we feel like we really understand that property out there."

Richins said they've brought in "the best of the best" to help them make decisions regarding the site.

Construction is on schedule to start in December, and the prison is expected to be completed by 2020.