CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Legislative leaders are proposing to create a savings account to eventually rebuild the state prison at Rawlins rather than spend money to repair it now.

The decision runs against a recommendation by Gov. Matt Mead to use bonds to repair the prison after a task force decided that was the best option. The prison houses about 700 people and is experiencing significant structural damage.

House Bill 262, which passed the House and is in the Senate, would funnel investment earnings into a savings account for a new state prison.

House Speaker Steve Harshman says his bill would build a savings account of $250 million. The Casper Republican says it'll be up to a future Legislature and governor to decide when and how to spend it.

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