Caddo Parish to acquire Forcht Wade Prison

Forcht Wade Prison, recently shut down by Louisiana, has caught the Caddo Commission's eye. The prison sits unused and empty. However, if commissioners get their way, it won't be for long. Parish Administrator Woody Wilson says the land Forcht Wade was built on originally belonged to the parish. It will be returned later this year. Wilson says due to contractual agreements, the state may not have a choice but to give it up.

"If they didn't use it for two consecutive years, it would automatically revert back to the parish," Wilson said. "We did approach them. There is a willingness. The Secretary of Corrections said yes, 'they can get it back.' So, we're operating on that premise that we'll be getting it back."

The prison has a new hospital as well as other additions commissioners hope will benefit the parish. Reports suggest some want a hospital created there or even a zoo. Wilson says nothing has been decided.

"The board has not expressed any desire to change it from one function to the other yet," he said. "So, that still has to be determined by the commission board."

The parish will acquire 100 acres once Forcht Wade is handed over.