To contact individual senators, or to find your senator, Senators | Arkansas Senate

Contact Info for Senator Bryan King, District 28 (the senator for Franklin Co, AR) bryan.king@senate.ar.gov

We have provided a template email and phone call script for your use.

Email Template:

Subject: Urging Consideration for Franklin County Residents on Proposed Prison Project

Dear [Senator’s Name],

I am writing to express deep concerns about the proposed prison project in Charleston and the damage SB354 will bring to Arkansas. I urge you to prioritize the voices and interests of the people of Franklin County. The residents overwhelmingly oppose this project, as it would fundamentally alter their rural community, impact their way of life, and impose significant financial burdens on the state of Arkansas.

The proposed site directly borders 29 private properties, with over 600 homes within a five-mile radius. This community has worked hard to build their lives in Franklin County, and their concerns about safety, infrastructure, and economic impact must be carefully considered. Moving forward without ensuring their voices are heard would be a disservice to the very people you represent.

Additionally, the fiscal responsibility of this project is highly questionable. The cost estimates continue to climb, and the lack of proper feasibility studies and infrastructure assessments raises concerns about whether this is the right investment for Arkansas taxpayers. Before any decisions are made, it is imperative that alternative solutions are explored, and the financial implications are fully understood.

I urge you to take the time to meet with and hear directly from the residents of Franklin County before voting on this matter. Their perspectives and concerns deserve your careful consideration, and I trust that you will act in the best interest of both your constituents and the state.

Thank you for your time and service.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Phone Call Script:

Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I am contacting you on behalf of the interests of not just Franklin County, but all of the citizens of Arkansas.

I am calling today to urge Senator [Last Name] to take into account the overwhelming opposition of Franklin County residents to the proposed prison in Charleston. This project would significantly disrupt their rural community and impose substantial financial burdens on Arkansas taxpayers.

The people who live in Franklin County deserve to have their concerns considered before any decision is made. I am asking Senator [Last Name] to take the time to meet with or speak directly to the residents of the affected area and ensure their voices are heard before voting on SB354 and to ensure that this community is heard on the Senate floor if and when this comes to a vote.

This is a major decision that will have lasting impacts, and it is crucial that the interests of Arkansas citizens—not outside consultants or developers—be the priority. Will the Senator commit to engaging with the community before moving forward?

Thank you for your time. I appreciate your service to Arkansas.

We have provided multiple options for you to contact the Governor’s Office, since there is not a direct email contact method. We invite you to utilize any, or all of these methods when respectfully expressing your opposition to the building of the prison. A template letter is included at the end for your use.

Mailing Address:

500 Woodlane St.
Little Rock, AR 72201

Phone Number: 

(501) 682-2345

Governor’s Office Online Contact Form: governor.arkansas.gov

Sample Letter:

Governor Sanders,

It has come to our attention that there are plans to construct a 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County. This proposal has raised significant concerns among your constituents regarding its potential impacts on the community, as well as the financial and staffing challenges it may pose. In light of your direct promise to “work with the community” on this project, we urge you to engage openly with the people of Franklin County to address their questions and concerns. 

At the heart of good governance is respect for the people you serve. By taking the time to meet with your constituents, you can honor their trust in your leadership and ensure that this project reflects their needs and values. Human respect begins with listening, and this project presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to transparency and collaboration. 

You Are the Power (YATP) and the Franklin County & River Valley Coalition (FCRVC) respectfully request a meeting to discuss the concerns raised by the community. Hearing directly from those impacted would allow for a meaningful dialogue that fosters mutual understanding and could help address apprehensions about the project. Your leadership in this matter would not only affirm your dedication to your promise but also set a powerful example of how public officials can work hand-in-hand with their constituents. 

We understand that your schedule is demanding, but we believe this conversation is vital to ensuring that decisions of this magnitude are made with care and consideration for all involved. Thank you for your time and attention, and we look forward to your response. 

The residents of Charleston stand against the proposed prison, dedicated to preventing the construction of a new 3,000-bed prison on Mill Creek Mountain, in Franklin County Arkansas. Their mission is to stop this project, utilizing legal representation to address the issues surrounding the secretly selected site and project. The coalition is committed to ensuring that community voices are heard.

By leveraging legal representation and engaging in legislative advocacy, the coalition challenges the prison’s construction on legal, economic, social, and ethical grounds.

They aim to emphasize the long-term implications for the entire state of Arkansas. Through collaboration with local leaders, legal representation, and lawmakers, the citizens of Franklin County and Charleston will work to ensure that the Arkansas government operates with integrity, efficiency, and transparency, and that any decisions affecting a community involve elected officials, citizens, and surrounding communities. They demand the Arkansas government work for them and not against them.

UPDATE:

Arkansas legislators are on break until 3/31 at which point SB354 approving the $750M appropriation for the prison could be brought to the floor for a vote at any time until they go out of session. This proposed budget is not only incredibly irresponsible but also a farse since the current estimates for the prison project exceed $825M and will most likely end up costing close to $2B.

To support Gravel & Grit

Via CashApp: $gravgrit

To support Franklin County & River Valley Coalition (FCRVC) 

Via GoFundMe

Via mail or in person through Simmons Bank for either organization:

Donations can be mailed to Simmons Bank Charleston at

PO Box 128

Charleston, AR 72933

Donations can be dropped off at the Simmons Bank branch in Charleston for the FCRVC account.

Please make checks payable to FCRVC or to Gravel & Grit, both organizations are accepting donations at Simmons Bank