"This move will save Arizona taxpayer dollars," said department director David Shinn was quoted as saying in a news release. Not only is this a significant cost saving to the state, but it allows ADCRR to redeploy staff to our complexes making it safer for both staff and inmates."

Shinn said CoreCivic has been a "dependable" partner of the department since 2012. The company currently operates the Red Rock Correctional Center, also in Eloy, which also houses nearly 2,000 inmates.

CoreCivic was selected by the state after a competitive process that included one other company. The rate per bed, per day, at CoreCivic's La Palma is contracted at $85.12 for each inmate.The contract will also gives the state more flexibility for inmate movement and allows readjustments according to the inmate population.The contract was signed on Dec. 29 and lasts five years, with the option to extend for an additional five years.