New private Lawton prison considered

LAWTON — A corporation that already operates a private prison in Lawton wants local officials to consider building a new facility nearby that could bring jobs to the area.

Comanche County commissioners will vote today on a resolution to authorize construction of a 1,536-bed prison to be located southeast of the 2,400-bed GEO Correctional Facility in Lawton.

The medium-security prison would sit just outside the Lawton city limits, so by law, the county commission is required to make the decision, officials said.

GEO Group, owner of the other prison, purchased the property for the new center from a private owner in July 2006, according to county records.

Commissioner Ron Kirby said GEO originally approached officials in the town of Stroud with the proposal, but began discussing with the commission the idea of creating a second facility in Comanche County about a month ago.

"I think it's a win-win,” Kirby said.

Other commissioners could not be reached for comment.

The new facility may help constant overcrowding at the Comanche County Detention Center, and communities in the county will benefit economically from the activity, Kirby said.

An estimated 300 jobs will be created during the construction phase and there will be significant local spending on materials, he said.

Once the facility is operational, there will be 300 permanent jobs with an estimated annual payroll of $12 million, Kirby said.

GEO Group has been a good corporate neighbor for Comanche County and the city of Lawton, Kirby said.

"They're quiet, out of the way, pay their bills on time … and require nothing from the county or the city,” he said.