Now that the public hearings are over and the location has been chosen, plans for the new Utah State Prison will be getting under way. According to Fox 13 news, the Prison Development Commission was updated on progress for the new facility. Negotiations are under way for the land near the Salt Lake City International Airport with closing on the agreement expected by late October.

Architects also reported that the prison will have a modern focus, designed to blend into the landscape, and look less "prison-like." The site covers 130 acres and the prison itself will house 3,000 beds - with expansion space for an additional 1,000 beds.

The new prison will also implement new criminal justice reforms, which means perhaps, inmates will be less likely to return. Still, lawmakers acknowledge the fact that with continued population growth, Utah may need a third prison site in the future.

Construction on the new prison is expected to be completed by 2020. Lawmakers told FOX 13 they estimate it will cost about $550 million.