The state takeover of a privately-managed prison in Boise is now underway.
Idaho corrections staff have been preparing for months to take over the 2,080-bed facility ever since Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter announced earlier this year he would not renew the $29 million-a-year contract with Corrections Corporations of America. That process officially began Tuesday.
Under CCA management, the prison has been sued and wracked by accusations of violence, gang activity and understaffing.
State officials have repeatedly said they expect the transition to go seamless. However, the state says they are canceling visitation at Idaho Correctional Center until Thursday because of the transition.