Governor Open to Ideas on Running Idaho’s Private Prison

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter says he is open to ideas from lawmakers and others on whether the state should take over operations of its troubled private prison. Otter told the Spokesman-Review Tuesday that he is open to a broad discussion on the future of the Idaho Correctional Center near Boise.

For years, the state has paid Corrections Corporation of America to run the lockup. But CCA's management has spurred a series of problems — from excessive inmate violence to an investigation into alleged contract fraud. Last week, CCA announced it would not bid on the next operating contract when the current one expires next year.

Otter has been a longtime supporter of private prisons, and in 2008 suggested letting companies build lockups in Idaho to house inmates from other states.