DES MOINES – Gov. Tom Vilsack is backing plans to build a new maximum-security prison in Fort Madison, saying a new prison would enhance safety, relieve pressure on an overcrowded prison system and pay for itself.

Vilsack said if initial cost estimates for a new prison come in at $80 million or less, building a new prison could be justified.

“Clearly, we could do a better job with a different, better-designed facility, and it would cost less money,” Vilsack said.

Vilsack ordered the Iowa Board of Corrections to look into the idea of replacing the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison after the escape of two inmates in November.

The board declined to make a specific recommendation last week, instead laying out options – fix the existing prison, build a new one or move highest-risk inmates to a more secure facility.

Department of Corrections Director Gary Maynard recommended a new prison to replace the 167-year-old penitentiary.

Vilsack said he would like to see the Legislature move forward this session.

“It might relieve some of the pressure. It might provide for greater safety and security for both the community and the workers, and so it’s something I think ought to be taken very seriously,” he said.

The governor included about $500,000 in planning money in his fiscal 2007 budget proposal and believes the state should take advantage of a favorable bond market to spread an overall cost.