Three private prison operators say they’re interested in building and running a new Hamilton County Jail.
Corrections Corporation of America, GEO Group and Emerald Companies submitted qualifications by last week’s deadline, said Gail Roppo, director of purchasing for Hamilton County government.
CCA has operated the Silverdale facility under contract since 1984 but its contract expires in September. Roppo said the county hopes to have a new contract signed by then if one or more of the bidders meets requirements.
The county wants a private company to build and operate a 1,600-bed jail at Silverdale.
“That’s our ultimate end goal, but any prospect will have a lot of work to do to get there,” she said Friday.