The problems that have prevented a new prison from opening in Fort Madison are quickly turning the situation into one of the more notorious fiascos involving state tax money in recent Iowa history.

It’s perhaps rising to the embarrassment level of the film tax credit and the Central Iowa Employment and Training Consortium messes that plagued the state several years ago.

More than 15 months after it was scheduled to open, the facility sits empty and expensive problems persist.

The cost has increased from $132 million to at least $166 million, and that is expected to rise significantly before it opens.

Construction problems at the new prison have included failed geothermal heating and ventilation systems and a floor that had to be ripped out. The project’s contractor has declared bankruptcy.

Then at the end of last month, the Department of Corrections had to shut off water in the prison because of the potential for freezing. Cold air was reportedly leaking into the space between the ceiling and the roof.

That prompted another round of questions from an oversight committee.

“To me, when I read this and when I hear this, who the hell is in charge?” asked Rep. Clel Baudler, R-Greenfield. “Who accepted these plans? Who made the plans?”

Baudler suggested bringing in “Larry, Curly and Moe” from the various agencies involved at the same time so they couldn’t point the finger at one another.

Let’s face it: We’re not in a good situation when our leaders start referencing The Three Stooges.

The committee began its inquiry because many lawmakers worry the cost of the state-of-the-art prison that is supposed to replace the 176-year-old prison in Fort Madison could soon top the $200 million mark.

Also, last month, Janet Phipps, director of the State Department of Administrative Services, said she was comfortable with the project oversight process in place, but senators said their confidence was shaken by the fact she was unaware of an issue with the geothermal system.

Clearly, that’s a problem.

Meanwhile, the contractor has asked the state to pay $20 million more than agreed upon in the original contract.

It’s no surprise the situation has become political theater. Sen. Matt McCoy, a Democrat from Des Moines, has stated the mismanagement of the construction process rests squarely on Gov. Terry Branstad’s administration.

Conversely, Doug Gross, a Des Moines-based attorney and former Republican gubernatorial candidate, predicted lawsuits coming out of the situation, and that’s probably why there hadn’t been a lot of information coming out.

On an Iowa Public Television program, he called the new prison a “legacy project of (former Iowa governor) Chet Culver.”

“They hired a contractor out of Chicago, who brought in a lot of workers from out of state – and frankly, it was a disaster waiting to happen,” Gross said.

The governor and lawmakers of both parties say they are worried about the taxpayers. We hope that’s true.

And if that is truly the case, let’s get together now and clean up this mess.

– Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, March 8