State lawmakers in want some answers about a proposed 3000-bed state prison to be built in northwest Arkansas.

 

State Senators Bryan King of Green Forest and Gary Stubblefield of Branch are urging the Judiciary Committee to hold hearings regarding the prison when the Arkansas Legislature convenes on January 13. The duo say they want to investigate the state's role in the land purchase in Franklin County.

 

The original proposal by the state was to build the prison facility for $470 million dollars. Some legislators say, based on what other states have done, that the price seems to be less than half of what the estimate should be.

 

King says he believes the project impacts the lives of people in Franklin County and should be treated as a high priority for Arkansas lawmakers.