By Associated Press
Montgomery AL – Governor Bob Riley and Prisons Commissioner Richard Allen announced yesterday that money raised from selling state land would be used for capital improvements instead of operating costs.
But that hasn't quieted critics who say taxpayers' assets shouldn't be sold for one-time gain and should instead be used to generate more funds.
The department has about 21,000 acres total and hopes the sale, which includes the Farquhar State Cattle Ranch in Greensboro, will generate between $16-point-3 (m) million and $23-point-8 (m) million.
Those funds will be used to make a dent in the $90 (m) million worth of repairs and renovations that are needed to bring the system up to code.
Critics say the sale is shortsighted and should be reevaluated.
Allen said he views the sale as a ``blessing in disguise'' despite the plan's unpopularity because it's an opportunity to make much-needed repairs.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)