The Benny Magness Unit in Calico Rock is one of eight locations the Arkansas Department of Corrections is considering for expansion, according to documents obtained by the *Arkansas Democrat-Gazette*. The proposal appears to be part of a broader plan to add approximately 550 prison beds statewide without constructing a new facility.
An internal memo, dated June 5 and titled "Expansion Opportunity Plan," was sent by Department of Corrections Chief of Staff Wade Hodge to Secretary Lindsey Wallace. This document outlines a strategy to increase capacity at existing facilities using pre-fabricated housing units. Regarding the Benny Magness Unit, the plan indicates that wastewater system upgrades would be required before any expansion could occur. The prison is currently operating under a consent order from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality for exceeding its wastewater treatment capacity.
This expansion initiative follows the recent cancellation of a proposed 3,000-bed mega-prison in Franklin County, which had faced community opposition and encountered funding difficulties, as reported by the *Democrat-Gazette*.
Correction officials have not specified a timeline for action or provided further details about funding for the proposed expansions at the eight sites. The plan remains under internal review.