Total of 2,376 beds will provide space for inmates with disabilities, mental health needs
SACRAMENTO —California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s (CDCR) today announced the locations of three new Level II housing unit facilities, a total of 2,376 beds, to be built at two existing prison sites.
One 792-bed facility will be built on state prison land adjacent to Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) in San Diego and two 792-bed facilities, a total of 1,584 beds, will be built on state prison land adjacent to Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP) in Ione.
“Construction of these facilities will provide CDCR with flexible housing for inmates with disabilities, as well as intermediate medical or mental health treatment needs,” CDCR Secretary Jeffrey Beard said. “These projects demonstrate the State’s commitment to comply with Federal court orders to provide adequate inmate health care and reduce overcrowding.”
In 2012, the state Legislature adopted Senate Bill 1022 which authorized CDCR to construct three new housing unit facilities at existing prison sites. In addition to providing CDCR more low-security housing, the new facilities will also provide space for educational and vocational programs.
The final decision on where the facilities will be built was made after completion of the environmental impact review (EIR) process. During the EIR process, CDCR held a series of community meetings at each potential location to solicit feedback from community leaders and its members.
The estimated construction cost for the RJD infill site is $168.7 million. This facility will employ approximately 180 staff and have an annual operational budget of $5.5 million.
The estimated construction cost for the MCSP infill site is $344.5 million. This facility will employ approximately 375 staff and have an annual operational budget of $11 million.
The construction of these two facilities is projected to begin in Spring 2014 and take approximately 24-26 months to complete.
