This prison facility has space for 800 maximum-security inmates, in addition to an existing maximum-security unit that holds 550 inmates. The penitentiary complex has two separate units holding approximately 350 inmates adjacent to the existing prison. Plans called for the new facility to have three buildings to house maximum- and medium-security inmates, a mental health center and more than 44 acres of grounds surrounded by hi-tech motion detection fences. The existing Fort Madison prison is the oldest correctional facility in continuous operation west of the Mississippi River. The new facility delivers improved supervision of inmates, provides additional safety for staff and offenders, and emphasizes movement of high-security offenders to lower custody levels.