(KODIAK) Plans for a new Kodiak city jail and expansion of the Spring Creek Correctional Facility in Seward were furthered Thursday when Governor Frank Murkowski gave his approval to SB 65 passed this year by the Legislature.

District R Senator Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) worked with community leaders in Kodiak and the bill's sponsor to include language authorizing $2 million dollars for the City of Kodiak to replace its aging 16-bed facility with a new 22-bed facility that would also be used to house prisoners for the state.

"Replacement of the jail is one of the City of Kodiak's top priorities. Without it, the state could see increased prison costs as it will have no on-island facilities to house prisoners," Senator Stevens commented. "It would also mean troopers will have to spend time needed elsewhere to transport prisoners to and from the island."

SB 65 also calls for the expansion of the Spring Creek Prison in Seward by 144 beds. The project is supported by the City of Seward officials, who worked on the bill language with Senator Stevens.

"This project will relieve over-crowding of our prisons and lessen the extensive use of out-of-state correctional facilities which is something myself and many of my constituents are very concerned with," Senator Stevens said.

Senator Stevens commends community leaders in Seward and Kodiak for their efforts in getting both projects included in the Senate bill.

(For more information, contact Doug Letch in Senator Stevens's office at 486-4925)

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