THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 9, 1995 TAG: 9502080018
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
I have been reading a lot about the proposed prison on the Eastern Shore. One issue that has had very little mention and needs to be addressed is exactly how the Department of Corrections plans to evacuate 1,200 ``maximum security'' felons in the event of a hurricane. Is there an evacuation plan that goes with the proposed prison, or are we going to wait until the necessity to evacuate becomes a reality before a feasible plan is produced?
A good look at the way other coastal states plan their prisons would be a good idea. Florida will not build a maximum-security prison within 10 miles of the coast because of the safety issues involved with evacuation, as well as the prohibitive cost. North Carolina has a 40-mile limit for the same reasons. How can the state of Virginia even consider building a prison on a 4-mile-wide peninsula?
I think a good look at Deputy Director John McCluskey's reasoning and motivation is in order. There is no place to take the prisoners in the event of a major hurricane. The Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel is closed during high winds, so Virginia Beach is out of the question. Route 13 through Maryland is the only way out, but where is that going to place 1,200 dangerous criminals? In a high school? Transported by school buses?
Thre are many other areas in the state of Virginia that would make much more sense and present few of the problems that the Eastern Shore presents.
Let's take a lesson from other states, such as Florida and North Carolina, and act in a responsible manner. Put our tax money where it will be most cost-effective, not where the costs could be more than any of us are willing to pay.
PAULA M. ANTHONY
Virginia Beach, Jan. 19, 1995 by CNB