MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) We told you Monday about a long-term proposal from the Scott administration for a 925-bed prison and mental health facility. Tuesday, Vermont lawmakers said they're planning to take a slow, methodical look at the proposal.
House Institutions Committee Chairwoman Alice Emmons was clear with her committee Tuesday-- no decisions have been made and the state isn't moving forward with any part of the project at this point.
"We haven't gone into further detail on this plan and I hope we get there," said Emmons, D-Springfield.
Senate Institutions Committee Chairwoman Peg Flory says she plans to review all of the state's options, too.
"I think what we're looking at long-term is something that meets the needs of Vermonters-- both the inmates, the public, mental health patients, kids at risk, transitional housing," said Flory, R-Rutland County.
The plan is aimed at addressing the state's critical needs. Human Services Secretary Al Gobeille says existing facilities have lots of deferred maintenance. He says the 10-year plan would address that.
"I think having a 10-year vision is really important in terms of planning and for folks to understand the priorities and choices in front of them," Gobeille said.
Steve Howard is the executive director of the Vermont State Employees Association. He says the union is firmly opposed to any plan that uses a private entity.
"That gives a private prison company a tremendous amount of leverage. Once they control the Corrections system they hold all the cards and then they decide what Corrections policy is," Howard said.
Flory says the state would continue to oversee operations and union members would continue to staff the facilities. She says there is no plan to turn those duties over to a private company.
"I've been hearing concerns that this is going to put state employees out of jobs, it's going to be the privates in there. And, no, that's not what the intent is," Flory said.
Meanwhile, in St. Albans, town officials are ready to hear more details. Town Manager Carrie Johnson says the town will look out for its best interests but the proposal could be a boon for the area in terms of jobs.
"We would try to work with any of those private or public partners to bring more jobs into the county," Johnson said.
Lawmakers are at the beginning stages of reviewing the plan. The administration will be providing more details in the weeks ahead.
