The most important issue facing corrections in the 1980's is the challenge of returning control of prisons and jails from the courts to the cities, counties, and States. The Construction Reform Act will establish the Criminal Justice Construction Administration within the Department of Justice to make grants to States and territories for criminal justice facility construction and modernization. It will also create a clearinghouse on the construction and upgrading of criminal justice facilities and will facilitate the interstate transportation of prisoner-made goods from projects funded by the act. This legislation is needed in view of the problems faced by correctional administrators who are paralyzed by lawsuits over jail and prison conditions and by court orders. The legislation will require that a State develop a master plan detailing goals for the construction and modernization of correction facilities before it receives an allotment of Federal funds. This can aid States and local governments in their battle to keep the courts out of their institutions. Other benefits of the legislation are noted. No references are cited.