ANDERSON, Ind. - A proposal to create a women's work-release program in Madison County is getting new consideration after failing twice before.

Officials have agreed to look into property for a proposed women's center that would provide alternative sentencing for non-violent offenders and help relieve crowding at the county jail.

The Herald-Bulletin reports similar proposals failed in the late 1990s and early 2000s because of cost concerns and a lack of women offenders.

Board of County Commissioners President John Richwine says the county has seen a dramatic increase in the number of women offenders. That could make the proposal more likely to succeed this time.

Sheriff Ron Richardson says the jail houses 74 women in six cell blocks. Another 10 women are being housed in Miami County because of overcrowding.