Contributed article by Marilyn Moore
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has sparked outrage in a small rural community, near Charleston, after her administration quietly purchased 815 acres of land to construct a massive prison. This decision was made without public hearings, community consultation, or even notifying local lawmakers, leaving residents blindsided and betrayed by the very leader who should stand for Arkansas families and communities.
The planned mega-prison is set to dramatically alter the landscape and character of the rural but populated area, potentially bringing environmental, social, and economic consequences. Yet, residents were given no opportunity to voice their concerns or provide input on a project of this scale. Instead, the land deal was finalized in the shadows, bypassing the transparency and collaboration that citizens rightfully expect from their government.
A Community Silenced
For decades, the residents of this tight-knit rural area have lived and worked in peace, valuing their community’s safety, open spaces, and family-centered way of life. Now, they face an uncertain future as their town is poised to become the site of one of Arkansas’s largest prisons. The community feels a deep sense of betrayal, as they were given no say in a decision that will drastically change their lives, from property values to safety, to the very identity of their community.
The decision has caused widespread frustration, especially since local senators and state representatives were left out of the loop. Lawmakers who should have had a role in protecting their districts were blindsided by this move, which many consider an overreach of governmental power. This failure of communication and lack of inclusion has drawn sharp criticism from both citizens and officials who believe the project was pushed through without proper scrutiny.
No Transparency, No Accountability
Governor Sanders has faced ongoing criticism for her lack of transparency, but this prison deal sets an alarming new precedent. Major public projects typically require hearings, environmental and social impact studies, and extensive community input. By bypassing these processes, Sanders has alienated local residents and raised serious legal and ethical concerns about how decisions are being made in her administration.
Critics argue that this approach is not only undemocratic but also undermines the public trust. Community members feel they were deliberately shut out of the process, their concerns ignored in favor of a decision made behind closed doors. This has led many to question the governor’s commitment to the principles of accountability and transparency.
Broken Promises, Broken Trust
Sanders’ prison project has left many questioning how a massive facility in a rural area aligns with her administration’s ability to prioritize family, safety, and economics. Prisons often fail to deliver on their promises of job creation and community revitalization. Instead, they can place a significant strain on local resources, lower property values, and increase costs for rural areas that may not have the infrastructure to support such a large development.
The Financial Burden
The proposed prison would be the largest in the state on a plot of land that is the smallest area compared to other Arkansas prison sites, where adequate infrastructure is severely lacking. This project will impose a significant financial burden on Arkansas taxpayers. The total cost, including construction and new infrastructure, could exceed one billion dollars. Additionally, the estimated daily operational costs for the 3,000-bed facility could surpass $200,000, based on the Arkansas Department of Corrections 2024 Inmate Cost report, which estimates an average cost of $71.77 per bed per day. This is not just a Franklin County issue—when costs inevitably exceed the budget, every Arkansan will bear the massive financial burden.
Coalition Unites, Hires Legal Representation
Standing Together to Halt the Prison Joey McCutchen will represent the Franklin County & River Valley Coalition in our efforts. This will not be easy, and while there are no guarantees of justice, one thing is certain: we will not back down or go away quietly. But we cannot fight this battle alone. Your financial support is critical. Donations will be used, with the utmost integrity, to pursue any legal and legislative actions available to halt this prison and secure a safe future for our children, grandchildren, and beyond. To support this effort, a dedicated bank account has been set up at Simmons Bank. Donations can be made to Franklin County & River Valley Coalition. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask here or message me directly. Now is the time for us to unite and act decisively. Together, we can make a difference in our fight for the future—please stand with us.
Donations to the coalition for legal fees can be mailed directly to Simmons. Checks can be made payable to Franklin County and River Valley Coalition.
