By C1 Staff
DES MOINES — Yet another issue has been found in the newly constructed maximum-security Fort Madison prison, which further delays its opening.
The Globe Gazette reports that committee members are concerned that the discovery of an air flow problem not connected to previous issues at the 800-bed prison will delay transferring prisoners from a 176-year-old prison, also located at Fort Madison.
Other issues included a problem with the geothermal system, a smoke evacuation problem and a leaking roof.
Costs for the prison have grown from $132 million to $166 million, with an estimate of at least $7 millon more to fix the issues.
If the costs continue to rise, one representative jokingly said the state might need to sell the prison.
“The costs keep going up and up and up,” Phyllis Thede said. “We can’t afford this.”