FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2004

BREDESEN ANNOUNCES PRISON EXPANSION
BLEDSOE COUNTY TO GAIN JOBS, LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS

Nashville - Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the Tennessee prison system is expanding in Bledsoe County.  Southeastern Tennessee State Regional Correctional Facility, in Bledsoe County, currently houses nearly 1,000 inmates.  Once completed, the expansion will more than double the size of the current facility.

"The project will not only provide the Department of Correction with the additional beds that are greatly needed in the eastern portion of the state, but will also serve as an economic stimulus for the region," Bredesen said.  "The expansion will create approximately 250 new jobs and will improve the community's infrastructure through upgrades that can help attract new business to the area.  This is great news for Bledsoe County."

As a part of the expansion project, the local water system will undergo significant upgrades that will serve the prison and the greater community.

"I commend the Governor on his decision," said Correction Commissioner Quenton White.  "The expansion at Southeastern makes sense for the department and the state for a number of reasons.  The fact that this project will bring jobs to the area and help folks on the plateau get access to the water they need makes it a decision we can all feel good about."

The overall expansion will cost approximately $102 million, far less than the other sites being considered.  Construction on the expansion is expected to begin as early as next winter with a completion date of early 2007.

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