Ducey drops plan for inmate re-entry center in Phoenix

PHOENIX (AP) - A state plan for a prison employment training center and housing facility in south Phoenix for former inmates that was slammed by the community and local officials has been scrapped.

Gov. Doug Ducey announced late Thursday that his administration was dropping efforts to use the recently closed Tent City jail site for a 335-bed employment training facility and a 265-bed community corrections center.

His office says the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has not allowed them to tour the site.

In a statement, Sheriff Paul Penzone's office accused the governor of trying to rush the project.

Opponents had opposed using the site for the re-entry facility, saying that area already has jails, a prison and a large homeless shelter.

Ducey's office says his proposed new state budget will address recidivism efforts.