SAN RAFAEL, Calif. -- Despite local opposition, California plans to build a new death row next to the existing one at San Quentin State Prison beginning this fall.
State corrections officials looked into the possibility of moving death row away from San Quentin, but concluded that state law requires the facility to remain at its current location next to San Francisco Bay, according to a report released Saturday.
"The California Penal Code requires that all male condemned inmates be housed at San Quentin and that all executions occur at San Quentin," the environmental impact report said.
Some Marin County residents and officials have opposed the $220 million maximum security facility, arguing there were better uses for the waterfront property and fearing the new prison's impact on traffic, noise, scenic views and wildlife habitat.
Details here from the AP via the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.