State Responds to Suit Aimed at Blocking Prison

The state attorney general’s office has filed legal reponses to lawsuits by the city of Lancaster and Los Angeles County aimed at blocking a proposed state prison in Lancaster.

The legal arguments filed Thursday in Los Angeles generally deny the allegations in the lawsuits concerning the impact of the 2,200-bed, maximum- and medium-security prison. But they do not offer specific arguments.

The city and county contend that the state’s review of the environmental impact of the prison failed to recognize the negative impact that the prison will have on the Lancaster economy and infrastructure.

They also allege that legislation expediting selection of the prison site was illegal. In addition, the county argues that the acquisition of county land for the prison will prevent expansion of much-needed law enforcement, fire and other county services.

A hearing on the dispute has been set for August.