Private prison may come to Stagecoach

Thursday, July 22, 1999 | 2:18 a.m.

"We're just exploring the area," said John Ochipinti, president of Correctional Development Services. "We want to wade in and see if the community is receptive to it."

Ochipinti said his firm builds low- to medium-security prisons with starting pay scales slightly lower than local sheriff's departments. The prison he envisions for Stagecoach would likely open with about 125 employees.

Lyon County and Stagecoach officials said they have an open mind to hear Ochipinti's proposal. The Stagecoach-Silver Springs area already has two detention centers: Silver Springs Conservation Camp for women and the Western Nevada Regional Youth Center scheduled to open in October.

"I'm very interested in hearing about it," said Michael Cline, chairman of the Stagecoach Advisory Board. "It would bring some jobs to the area."

"As far as the county is concerned, we look at all options," Lyon County Commissioner Bob Milz said. "I would certainly like to see what these people would like to say. I think they're tire kickers now. They want to know what they're up against."

Ochipinti's firm has built or is planning four private prisons, all in Northern California. This would be the company's first prison outside California.

Nevada has one privately operated prison in North Las Vegas. The Southern Nevada Women's Correctional Facility opened in 1997 and the state contracts with a private operator.

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