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Governor approves sole-source deal for a new prison
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Posted on Mar 12 1999
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday said he would backed proposals that would grant him the authority to contract a new prison facility through sole-sourcing in order to hasten the construction of the $17 million project.
In an obvious reaction to the siege of the male detention center of the Division of Corrections, the Senate the other day passed a measure waiving procurement regulations to allow sole source contract for the proposed new jail. The bill heads back to the House of Representatives for approval.
Although local officials refuse to tie the prison takeover to efforts to fast-track the project, the hostage drama has highlighted anew the poor conditions and overcrowding at DOC.
The sorry state of the existing corrections facility has drawn the attention of federal officials who have been pushing for the construction of a new facility. The federal government has pressed CNMI to put in place improvements inside the jail that would at least meet the minimum federal requirements to avoid potential lawsuit from inmates.
Lack of funds has imperiled government plans to begin even minor repairs inside the corrections to meet the conditions enumerated in the consent decree while construction for the new prison has yet to take off.
Built years ago to accommodate 32 prisoners, the existing facility is now home to close to 100 inmates.
The governor also expressed concern that Tuesday’s hostage incident would further delay the project because repairs have to be undertaken to restore the detention center destroyed during the siege.
“The incident…the other day, unfortunately, is going to cost us additional money and a little delay because of the damage. It also means additional time is required,” Tenorio told reporters.
Even before the takeover the detention center, the commonwealth has been confronted with difficulties raising funds to upgrade the facility due to budget crunch
