The prison dominates 275 acres of prime real estate, located on the edge of the San Francisco Bay, bordering San Rafael, Larkspur, Corte Madera and San Quentin Village. But at 150 years old, it is falling apart. Its collapsing walls, failing plumbing system, pest problem, and poor security system are among the problems state leaders see as a cause for a new facility.

Supervisors Steve Kinsey and Annette Rose are spearheading a $250,000 study authorized by Governor Gray Davis to study the relocation of San Quentin. Its first step is to establish another site for California's "death row." Folsom Prison is being suggested as a location, but further joint state-regional studies will be needed.

The report estimates that it would cost more than more than $800 million to build two replacement prisons, relocate prisoners and begin operations at the new facilities. It also studied possible alternatives for the sale of the property for development.