Critics say such savings are unrealistic without drastically cutting corners.
Founded in 1980, MTC is a prominent player in the U.S. private corrections industry, operating jails in 21 states. It also operates facilities in Australia and the Pacific Ocean state of Marshall Islands. The main concern has been that by spending so little, the jail will be little more than a warehouse, presenting security risks. An identical super jail is to open in Lindsay, but it will be publicly run. The two super jails are meant to replace some 20 older facilities around the province.