Lawmakers’ frustration over new prison problems growing

DES MOINES - Iowa lawmakers are expressing frustration at the lack of cooperation from state agencies in determining why new problems continue to arise at a $132 million maximum security prison that sits empty 15 months after it was scheduled to open.

News that the Department of Corrections had to shut off water in the prison because of the potential of freezing fueled another round of questions Thursday from member of the House Government Oversight Committee.

Chairman Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, called the water shut-off 'truly astounding” and just one more 'boondoggle” that has plagued prison construction. The water was shut off, he said, because cold air was leaking into the space between the ceiling and the roof.

'It's Iowa. It's not a one-time thing,” said Rep. Vicki Lensing, D-Iowa City.

According to the Department of Corrections, the water had to be shut off to the recreation building and mechanical alleyways above cellblocks.

That raised concerns about the prison's geothermal heating units. When tested, it was determined they were undersized, but Corrections and Department of Administrative Services officials insisted the problem had been solved.

'To me, when I read this and when I hear this, who the hell is in charge?” said Rep. Clel Baudler, R-Greenfield. 'Who accepted these plans? Who made the plans?”

More frustrating than the latest development, however, is what committee members labeled the lack of clarity and forthrightness from officials at Corrections and the Department of Administrative Services when they have appeared before the committee.

'We're just not getting anywhere,” said Rep. Phyllis Thede, D-Bettendorf. 'I want them to answer (questions). I don't want ‘I don't know.' I want real answers. Good answers.”

Lawmakers aren't alone in their frustration. Gov. Terry Branstad's spokesman weighed in Thursday night saying opening a 'safe and secure prison” is a top priority.

'We, like the legislators, demand accountability for taxpayers,” Jimmy Centers said, adding the governor is concerned with apparent flaws in the prison design and resulting costs.

'Our administration continues to work with the Attorney General's Office to discuss options to recoup costs associated with the design flaws from the previous administration,” he said, and 'remains committed to getting the new prison up and running as soon as possible.”

The oversight committee began its inquiry because the cost of the state-of-the-art prison that was supposed to replace a 176-year-old prison also at Fort Madison has increased from $132 million to at least $166 million and expected to rise before it opens. Neither Corrections nor Administrative Services had been able to tell the committee when it might open.