Corrections officials have sent the names of 2,900 nonviolent inmates to the state Parole Board for parole consideration.

It is one step in the Mississippi Department of Corrections to cut $6.5 million in expenses.

MDOC also plans to remove 300 states inmates from the county jails, 154 from regional jails and 50 from private prisons beginning as early as January.

MDOC pays counties and private prisons to house state inmates. Corrections Commissioner Chris Epps says he can save more than $1.7 million by moving the inmates.

MDOC will also increase the number of inmates on house arrest and parole.

MDOC is also looking at releasing from prison individuals with severe medical conditions.