BRIDGETON — A proposed new shared-services initiative that regionalizes women’s correctional services could bring in thousands of dollars to Cumberland County.

If approved by the Board of Freeholders, beginning in September, Cumberland County will be paid for housing a share of inmates currently incarcerated in the Gloucester County Women’s Correctional Facility. That facility, in Clarksboro south of Paulsboro, is being closed as a cost-cutting measure.

Gloucester County would pay Cumber­land as well as Salem and Camden counties to provide services for their inmates.

“This four-county regional effort proves how creativity and out-of-the-box thinking is a win for the taxpayers,” says Freeholder Director Louis Magazzu. “Three counties receiving revenue in a time when revenues are down and one county shedding expenses for the taxpayer is the type of thinking we need at all levels of government.”

The women’s unit at the Cumberland County Jail is said to be able to handle 10-20 inmates from Gloucester County with no need for additional staff or expenses.

“If we averaged 10 new inmates a day between September and the end of the year, that’s an estimated $85,000 in additional revenue,” according to Freeholder William Whe­lan.“Over a 12-month period, the county would gross $255,000. We have the space. We have the personnel. It looks to be a perfect fit.”

Transportation for the inmates would be provided by Gloucester County Corrections and Sheriff’s officers.