Blame game hasn’t resolved Fort Madison prison delays

Unacceptable is the word Iowa voters should remember as state officials and lawmakers engage in blame game politics while tax dollars are repeatedly funneled into an empty new prison facility in Fort Madison.

What's the latest problem uncovered in the 800-bed Iowa State Penitentiary, slated to open 15 months ago? A high risk of frozen pipes due to frigid air entering the space between the ceiling and roof. The Department of Corrections shut off water to the recreation building and adjacent mechanical channels above the cellblocks.

It's a reminder of installed geothermal heating units too small to service the facility. But both the Department of Corrections and the Department of Administrative Services said earlier heating issues had been resolved.

Also, the Fire Marshal won't issue an occupancy permit because of a failed smoke evacuation system. Prisons must have strong enough ventilation systems to remove smoke in case of fire. State officials estimate repairs could take up to two months.

In the interim, Iowa's most dangerous inmates continue to be housed nearby at the old facility, founded in the 1800s. No one can say exactly when the new facility will begin housing inmates.

Construction in Fort Madison began in 2010, at the end of Gov. Chet Culver's office term. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in 2013 by Gov. Terry Branstad, although inmates were not expected to occupy the space until the following year.

Since construction and oversight was split between the executive terms, a bevy of finger-pointing began in late 2013 when design issues were discovered. It's become more animated as state personnel has changed and costs have continued to rise.

The state expected to pay $132 million for the new facility. To date, costs have risen to at least $166 million, with most expecting a final price tag of about $190 million.

In other words, it is likely repairs to the never-used prison will exceed the $43 million general fund budget given to the departments of agriculture and natural resources last year.

Answers remain in short supply, with state lawmakers receiving more 'I don't knows” than details. The Attorney General has launched an investigation too.

But safety concerns surrounding the old facility aren't going away, and should focus state leaders on the end goal of opening the prison. There'll be time for finger-pointing later.

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