"Expensive misunderstanding" to blame for empty Mont. prison

Officials say they expected inmates

By JENNIFER McKEE
Gazette State Bureau

HELENA — As told by state and Hardin officials Tuesday, the history behind Hardin's empty, 464-bed prison hinges on one enormous - and expensive - misunderstanding.

Officials from the south-central Montana town and its economic development arm, Two Rivers Authority, told the state Corrections Advisory Council that they had a gentlemen's agreement with Montana to house state inmates at the privately run prison.

But Bill Slaughter, former state corrections director, current agency officials and lawmakers on the council said they never had such an agreement and never envisioned the prison as part of the state's correctional system.

"We didn't sign any contracts with this group; there are no e-mails or promises," Slaughter said. "I don't know what to tell you. I was actually surprised they were under construction."

The council, headed by Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger and composed of lawmakers and others with interests in Montana's criminal justice system, acts only as an advisory group to the Department of Corrections. The committee does not have the authority to change state law or approve prison contracts with Two Rivers ... Full Story