NCJ Number
115504
Date Published
1988
Length
105 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the economic and fiscal impacts of a proposed State prison for men near Delano in Kern County, Calif.
Abstract
Prison employment will range from about 870 to 1,240 at an annual payroll of $26,970,000 to $38,440,000. In addition, the prison will spend about $1,000 per inmate for regional goods and services. All prison wages earned by County residents, 25 percent earned by non-County residents, and 75 percent spent on goods and services are predicted to be spent in Kern County. Of employees, 50 percent are expected to be transferees and 50 percent are expected to be new hires. All of the latter are expected to be from the Kern-Tulare County labor pool, and 85 percent of transferees are expected to reside in Kern County. In addition to prison jobs, the facility would generate induced jobs in the retail and wholesale trades and in food services. Prison visitation and related services should result in additional economic growth. Overall, economic growth should result in annual fiscal surpluses for Kern County and the cities of Bakersfield and Delano. The facility also will generate annual reimbursable costs incurred by the County for prison-related services ranging from $147,400 to $278,800. Predicted school enrollment increases will be dispersed among affected communities and can be accommodated by already planned construction. Supply of housing (owner-occupied and rental) is adequate in Bakersfield and adjacent unincorporated areas. While the supply in Bakersfield is insufficient, the City has sufficient space and infrastructure to respond promptly with new construction. Supplemental information is appended. 30 tables and 6 references.