LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — The Arkansas Board of Corrections has tentatively approved a contract with HDR and Cromwell Architects Engineers for $57 million to build a new 3,000-bed prison.

The contract is described as "pay as you go, no additional expenses up to about 57 million," with the 815-acre land bought in Charleston, Franklin County, as the potential site.

The board passed the contract tentatively because of complaints that they did not have enough time to review the information, and the potential that the site may change.

"I don't want to go back through this [process] again if by some wild chance that it's not selected, the site cannot be used," said Chairman Benny Magness.

Since the new 3,000-bed prison site was announced, there has been much contention from lawmakers and locals.

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