By C1 Staff
ESCAMBIA — Florida lawmakers plan to boost the state’s spending on prisons by $43 million to address issues such as replacing vehicles and fixing leaky roofs.
North Escambia reports that the funding bump to the agency’s already $2.3 billion budget will bring the prison agency into the black for the first time in three years, wiping out a years’ long deficit.
The spending includes 163 new positions, money for food services including $5 million for religious diets. An additional $16.4 million will cover expenses and contracted services, including toiletries, clothing and utility costs.
Another $1.3 million will upgrade computer software, giving correctional officers access to email. Up to 40 new vehicles will be purchased for probation officers.