By Alabama Public Radio
Wetumpka, AL – An Elmore County lawmaker says he likes the governor's plans to use the Tarwater Center in Wetumpka. Senator Larry Dixon says it's a good facility that should not be allowed to deteriorate. Governor Bob Riley's proposed budget includes plans to convert the former mental retardation center into a housing facility for female prisoners. State finance director Drayton Nabers says the plans call for the Tarwater Center to be used as a drug and alcohol treatment program for 200 female inmates. Tarwater was closed when the state consolidated its mental retardation centers.