State says it may need about 800 more prison beds and is weighing 768 of them at Gunnison, with no decision made
October 14, 2026, 3:06 p.m. · Gunnison City
At an Oct. 14 work session the Utah Department of Corrections told the Gunnison City Council the state may need roughly 800 more beds by mid-to-late 2028 and is considering adding three housing buildings, about 768 beds, inside the Central Utah Correctional Facility fence in Gunnison. The department estimated about 230 more jobs plus 20 to 60 health services positions. Council members and staff raised water, sewer, electrical and medical service impacts; cost estimates are expected in the coming weeks and no decision has been made. These are unapproved minutes.
From the draft minutes. Updated November 3, 2026.
In brief
1 item came up for a decision or discussion: 1 discussed.
This write-up links 1 source document.
3 members were present.
The previous City Council meeting was on July 15, 2026: Gunnison awards airport paving bid, approves Tarr Canyon well change order 3-1
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Potential Central Utah Correctional Facility expansion in Gunnison | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Public safety
Potential Central Utah Correctional Facility expansion in Gunnison
Discussed
Utah Department of Corrections leaders told the council that inmate population projections have risen and the state may need about 800 more beds, with capacity potentially reached by mid-to-late 2028. One concept adds three housing buildings inside the existing fence at Gunnison for about 768 beds, plus upgrades to kitchen, visitation, medical, recreation and programming space; a separate women's facility near Salt Lake City is also being considered. The department estimated about 230 more department jobs and 20 to 60 correctional health jobs. No decision has been made on location or scope. Gunnison raised water supply, sewer capacity (a joint sewer master plan with Centerfield is starting), electrical reliability and local medical services as issues to evaluate. Cost estimates and program details are expected in the coming weeks, ahead of the legislative session.
- Corrections attendees: Commissioner Jared Garcia, three deputy commissioners, a legislative affairs staffer and the finance and operations director
- A U.S. House staff member also attended
What residents said
No public comment recorded.