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April 12, 2008
AL: 1,400-bed federal prison near Aliceville gets agency OK
1,400-bed federal prison near Aliceville gets agency OK
Associated Press
Updating 4:54 p.m.
WASHINGTON — Construction could begin this summer or fall on a 1,400-inmate federal prison near Aliceville in rural west Alabama that is expected to employ more than 300 people.
After completing environmental impact studies, the federal Bureau of Prisons gave final approval to move forward with the $200 million project last week.
Local officials say the prison - to be built about two miles north of Aliceville - will provide a major economic boost for Pickens County and the surrounding Black Belt communities. The project gained momentum several years ago when Sen. Richard Shelby, a Republican from nearby Tuscaloosa, won federal funding.
The prison is expected to house some 1,400 federal prisoners, a Bureau of Prisons spokeswoman said. Plans call for about 1,150 beds in a medium-security complex and another 250 beds in a minimum-security work camp.
As long as land acquisition goes well, the bureau anticipates signing design and construction contracts this summer, the spokeswoman said. Construction would start shortly thereafter and is expected to take several years.
Alan Harper, Aliceville's director of economic development, said Thursday the prison is the most significant economic development project in the Black Belt in 100 years. He credits Shelby with making it happen.
"We have Sen. Shelby to thank for saving our area," said Harper, who also is a Democratic state representative. "These 350 jobs are going to be a lifesaver."
The lockup would be the third federal prison in Alabama, with others at Talladega and Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery.
http://www.annistonstar.com/breaking/2008/as-wireupdate-0410-0-8d10q5115.htm
Posted by lois at April 12, 2008 02:42 PM