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Senator King warns of "incompetence, lying, and deception" in proposed Franklin County prison plan
Summary
Senator King announced that residents from Franklin County would appear at the Capitol to discuss concerns about a proposed prison project, saying FOIA documents show the proposal has been "riddled with ... incompetence, lying, and deception" and noting the project's potential $1.5 billion cost.
Senator King used a personal-privilege floor statement to warn colleagues about a proposed prison project in Franklin County and to invite Franklin County residents to the Capitol at 1 p.m. to discuss their concerns, citing Freedom of Information Act documents.
"You've seen a lot in the news about the proposed, possible prison in Franklin County," Senator King said. He told the chamber that Franklin County residents "will be here at 01:00 and 03:09 to discuss that issue." King urged colleagues to review documents he said were obtained via FOIA and warned that the proposal "has been riddled with already with incompetence, lying, and deception." He said the project would be a "billion and a half, 1 point 5 billion dollar decision" that "is gonna impact all Arkansans."
King urged senators to "visit with" the Franklin County residents and to consider concerns raised in news reports and the FOIA documents before approving any large expenditure. The transcript does not include additional details about the FOIA documents, the project sponsor, or any pending votes or timelines for formal consideration.
The statement was delivered as a floor announcement during morning business; the record shows Senator King invited public attendees to speak at two times but no formal committee referral, motion, or vote on the prison project was recorded in this session's transcript.
