State seeks site for re-entry center

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

COEUR d'ALENE — The Idaho Department of Correction is searching for a site for a 130-bed community re-entry center in North Idaho with $12.2 million that was appropriated during the last legislative session.

"Kootenai County is the preferred location," Department of Correction spokesman Jeffrey Ray said,

Ray said a request for proposals was submitted for properties in Kootenai County, but no response was received.

"The department is now in the process of securing a local real estate agent for further assistance," he said.

Ray said the center could either be a new building or a remodel or expansion of an existing one. The center would likely be one story and about 20,000 square feet.

Ray said reasonable access to the area’s employer base was important. The site needs to be between 2.5 and 4 acres.

The start date for construction can’t be determined until a site is selected, Ray said.

The appropriation is for the property purchase, design and construction.

Once an estimated opening date is determined, the department will request funding for staffing and operations. An estimated 15 full-time employees will work at the center.

"All the centers are staffed 24/7 by correctional officers who assure that all of the residents are where they should be and following the facility’s rules," Ray said.

Ray said a final decision on the population that the center will serve had not been made.

"Current plans are for a male facility comprised primarily of returning citizens from the First and Second Judicial Districts.

The center, known as a CRC, will allow minimum custody offenders nearing release the chance to work in the community and prepare for a positive community transition.

"While employed, CRC inmates contribute to the tax base, pay child support, restitution, court fees and cost of supervision as well as a 35 percent fee to subsidize the operational costs of their CRC stay," Ray said. "CRC inmates statewide also provide thousands of hours of community services to their local communities."

CRC residents are provided transportation by the Department of Correction to their work sites.

The department proposed a similar center in North Idaho about 15 years ago that drew public concern. Ray said Correction had challenges obtaining a zoning special-use permit for the site and elected to allocate the funds to expand two other housing facilities instead.

"CRCs are respected community partners," Ray said. "They are in good standing with local law enforcement, employer and community leaders. Once potential sites are identified, we will obtain feedback from key community stakeholders to include local law enforcement."

Ray said the correction department recently received positive support from leaders in Twin Falls in preparation for the state's fifth CRC that's slated to open in fall 2020 with 160 beds.

Demand is driving the need for more CRCs, Ray said.

The state's four existing CRCs — two in Boise and one each in Nampa and Idaho Falls — have 483 total beds.

Ray said that, as of July 15, Correction had 1,530 inmates eligible for CRC placement.

"Eligible minimum custody inmates continue to be housed in county jails, out-of-state facilities or departmental beds at a higher cost and without the transitional release benefits that a CRC offers," Ray said.

Ray said CRCs save taxpayer money compared to jails and enhance the re-entry process. The CRC cost per bed per day is $50.71, but after the residents' fee is applied, the cost is reduced to $26.71.