Associated Press
MEDFORD, Ore. — Officials are asking Oregon counties to send fewer inmates to state prisons in an effort to prevent an emergency prison expansion.
The Mail Tribune reports that an unexpected growth in the prison population has lawmakers considering a $9 million expansion of the Deer Ridge Correctional Institution in Madras.
An Oregon Criminal Justice Commission report released this month says reducing the number of incoming prisoners by 25 men and six women per month statewide could rule out the expansion.
Southwestern counties have been asked to send five fewer inmates each month. The metro region, which includes areas around Portland and Eugene, has been asked to send 18 fewer inmates.
Lawmakers have said they may need to use grants aimed at keeping people out of prison to pay for the expansion.