The state of Utah has broken ground on a new $650 million state prison near Salt Lake City that will sit on about 323 acres.
Utah Department of Corrections officials said the new facility will have up to 4,000 beds as well as classrooms and open spaces that aim to create a less-severe environment than other prisons. Inmates will also be able to take part in wildlife and wetland rehabilitation programs, as well as art and job training initiatives.
The new prison will have a greater emphasis on treatment and job training for those inmates, explained Rollin Cook, Utah Department of Corrections director.
Completion of the new prison is expected in winter 2020, with inmates moving from a current prison in Draper in spring 2021.
