Legislative wrap: Corrections

Initially, the Utah Department of Corrections was flush with cash for expanding its Gunnison prison and giving pay raises to corrections officers.

Lawmakers whittled that money away but kept it within the range of the governor's recommendations.

Corrections is still expected to get $3 million for officers' salaries. Another $54.5 million was recommended by a subcommittee to begin expanding the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison. That's enough to build the first phase of the prison expansion and start planning for the second, though corrections officials plan to ask for more appropriations next year to complete it.

"We're appreciative that the Legislature recognized some of our most significant needs, which is compensation for correctional officers and increasing bed space to meet the growing needs," state corrections spokeswoman Angie Welling said Wednesday.

Legislative leaders also balked late in the session at a proposal to purchase Oxbow Jail from Salt Lake County.

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