The goal of the Coalfields Expressway Authority to promote the economic development along the route reached a milestone with the recent announcement that the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is proposing to construct a medium-security Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) to house approximately 1,152 adult male inmates at the Indian Ridge Industrial Site, located in McDowell County.  A satellite prison camp housing approximately 128 minimum-security inmates, along with staff training facilities and other related ancillary facilities, would also be located on the site.

BOP is proposing to acquire approximately 400 acres of land off WV 16 approximately four miles north of Welch.

Major construction of the FCI is scheduled to begin in 2005 and completion is expected in 2008.  The construction cost of this new facility is expected to exceed $110 million.

The FCI and satellite prison camp are expected to employ approximately 300-350 full-time staff members.  Approximately 60 percent of staff positions will be made available to new hires.  The remaining 40 percent would be filled by current and experienced BOP employees transferring from existing facilities.

Employment will be available in the following fields:

The FCI and satellite prison camp would contribute approximately $25-$30 million annually to the local and regional economy.  Approximately 80 percent of the annual budget would be spent locally on salaries, goods, services and utilities.

For complete information on both employment and business opportunities, CLICK HERE.