Surge in Iowa prison population eases

A state report shows the increase in Iowa's prison population is easing.

The report issued Monday forecasts that by 2019, the state's nine prisons will hold about 9,000 inmates, up about 8 percent from current numbers.

In the past two decades, Iowa's prison population soared by more than 150 percent. The state built new prisons, in Clarinda, Fort Dodge and Newton.

According to the study, fewer people are being sent to prison because of felony convictions and drug convictions.

Sen. Eugene Fraise (FRAY'-zee), a Fort Madison Democrat, says the report is an indication that the string of prison projects may be nearing an end.

Iowa plans $256 million in prison construction that includes projects at Fort Madison and the women's prison in Mitchellville.

-- Associated Press