Joint Budget Committee approves appropriation measure tied to 3,000‑bed prison estimate after hours of debate

The Joint Budget Committee voted to give Senate Bill 354 a due‑pass recommendation after lengthy questioning about cost, siting and staffing for a proposed 3,000‑bed corrections facility.

Senator Dismay moved for due pass on Senate Bill 354, an appropriation measure tied to a consultant estimate that places the construction and associated infrastructure cost at about $825,000,000; the committee later approved the motion in separate senate and house roll calls. The vote produced 17 affirmative votes on the senate side and 16 affirmative votes in the house panel.

Committee members repeatedly pressed administration witnesses and the project consultant on what the estimate includes and on contingencies. Joe Profiri, identified in the record as an advisor to the governor, told members that "the estimate for this project, which includes utilities, is $825,000,000." Members sought more detail on water, wastewater, road work, site preparation and staffing costs; witnesses said engineering work to scope utilities was underway…