The Carbon County commissioners on Tuesday morning authorized Sheriff Peter P. Hoherchak to study the possibility of purchasing a portable prison, once used by Monroe County to hold 24 prisoners.

The 40-by-80-foot modular steel-constructed unit is currently attached to the former Monroe County prison by a tunnel.

The unit was established in 1972 at a cost of $375,000 and is currently for sale to the highest bidder.

Commissioner Luther Getz suggested Hoherchak see if it is feasible to bring the structure to Jim Thorpe and place it adjacent to the current county prison.