Prison announces expansion
Published Tuesday, May 13, 2008
NATCHEZ — Corrections Corporation of America has announced plans to expand its prison facility on U.S. 84 by an additional 564 beds.
The facility will now house 2,232 beds at a total construction cost of $135 million, said Louise Grant, CCA vice president of marketing and communications. Construction is still slated to be complete by December. The facility is expected to open during the first quarter of 2009. Grant said CCA does not have a confirmed management contract for the facility at this time.
“We have seen a continued level of demand from our federal and state customers,” Grant said on Tuesday. “Because we are nearing the final stages of the Adams County facility, we felt it was very cost efficient to proceed right now with expanding that facility.”
Grant said the expansion means greater economic stimulation to southwest Mississippi, bringing approximately 300 jobs and greater property tax revenue. Job opportunities will include positions in administration, security, maintenance, education, healthcare, counseling, human resources and bookkeeping.
“It’s truly a small city within the confines of our facility,” Grant said.
With the opening of the Adams County facility — CCA’s fourth facility in Mississippi — the Nashville-based company will employ more than 1,000 Mississippians statewide. CCA operates 67 facilities nationwide.
CCA is currently completing a 1,600-bed expansion at its Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility in Tutwiler, bringing its total capacity to 2,672 beds. CCA has contracted with the state of California for use of the Tallahatchie facility.
Gov. Haley Barbour said in a press-released statement that the Adams County facility expansion is welcome news.
“Once again, I am very pleased that Corrections Corporation of America has taken advantage of development opportunities available and has seized the initiative to expand further in Adams County,” Barbour said.
“I welcome these new jobs and this additional investment by our partner CCA in Mississippi. The state and local officials and company representatives have worked together on this important project, and I look forward to continuing a strong relationship.”