It is now projected to cost 18% to 22% more than the $650 million claimed, have 400 fewer beds and take up to 18 months longer (“Prison: Behind, Pricier, Smaller,” Tribune, April 6).
The state blames the higher labor and material costs partly on competition from other construction projects, including the airport expansion (a foreseeable expense), and partly on the Trump steel tariffs (a wholly unimaginable expense).
In 2014, the cost to maintain the current prison and replace older buildings was estimated at $239 million. Another $150 million to add additional program space brought the total renovation to $389 million in 2014 dollars ($415 million in 2019 dollars).