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Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of Oct. 20. 

Starting with project updates: 

• The Arkansas Department of Corrections released an informational resource to address concerns over its proposed 3,000-bed Franklin County Prison project. Arkansas Agency Issues ‘Guide to Help Explain’ Proposed Franklin County Prison 

• The new $59 million Bernie McCabe Second District Court of Appeals courthouse in St. Petersburg, Fla., is set to open in December. $59 Million Second District Court of Appeal Courthouse Set to Open in December in Downtown St. Pete 

• Officials in Perry County, Mo., gathered last week to cut the ribbon at the new Perry County Joint Justice Center, which doubles the county jail's capacity to 80 beds. After Delays, Disasters, County Dedicates Joint Justice Center 

• Commissioners in Kansas City have approved design and construction plans for a new $22 million, 100-bed temporary jail. Kansas City Approves First Jail Since 2009: $22 Million Facility Sparks Community Concern 

• Work on the Kingsport Justice Center expansion project in Tennessee is progressing on schedule, with Phase I set to be completed in the spring. Kingsport BMA Hears Update on Justice Center Expansion Project 

Moving over to legislation and funding: 

• Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon recently asked the state for more than $512 million in funding to maintain the prison system. Corrections Secretary Asks for ‘Staggering’ $500+ Million to Maintain Operations 

• Commissioners in Clark County, Ohio, recently heard public feedback about a proposed $100 million jail and public safety building, with a sales tax increase to fund it on the ballot in November. ‘These Decisions Are Not Taken Lightly’: County Leaders, Public Discuss New Jail 

• The Kalispell, Mont., Planning Commission held a public hearing last week on a proposed Flathead County safety facility, with a $105 million bond to fund the project on the ballot this November. Public Invited to Weigh In on Proposal to Annex Land into Kalispell for New County Jail 

• A two-day town hall was held last...