MACHIAS (AP) – A state prison official set an October deadline for an initial plan for a joint county-state prison in Eastern Maine as an exploratory committee of state and Washington County officials met for the first time.

With prison crowding remaining a problem at both the state and county levels, discussions are moving forward about a new prison that could house both county inmates and state prisoners in eastern Maine.

Nothing firm was decided at Friday’s meeting, but Washington County and state officials agreed to explore the matter further. Another meeting was scheduled for Aug. 23 in Machias.

Ralph Nichols, the state Corrections Department’s jail inspector, said a preliminary plan that includes size, a site and costs of construction as well as operations, should be prepared by the end of October so it can be presented to the Legislature in January.

Nichols estimated that a 250-cell facility would cost about $28 million.

The state already operates the Downeast Correctional Facility at a former Air Force station in Bucks Harbor. Officials say that prison, which is more than 20 years old, needs upgrading.

In May, the idea building a new prison in Eastern Maine was presented to Gov. John Baldacci, who expressed interest but wanted more details.

One idea that’s been floated is to have the Washington County Development Authority issue bonds to build a prison and then lease it to the state.

“The ultimate proposal has to be something that county and state can endorse,” Deputy Corrections Commissioner Denise Lord said as Friday’s meeting opened.

Washington County Commissioner Chris Gardner, who supports a partnership, agreed that the county’s relationship with the Corrections Department is paramount.

“If it ever becomes a hindrance, the county is willing to bow out,” Gardner said.