FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2005

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION BREAKS GROUND ON BRUSHY MOUNTAIN PRISON EXPANSION PROJECT

Nashville, Tenn. - Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner George Little, joined by officials with the Department of Finance and Administration, state and local elected leaders, and representatives from Bell Construction broke ground today on a 1,428 bed prison expansion project in Morgan County.

"The prison expansion project in Morgan County continues to be a sound business decision by Governor Bredesen for the Department of Correction and for the citizens of this state," said Little.  "The expanded facility will not only provide much needed bed space in East Tennessee, but will also serve as an economic boost to the community by providing sound employment."

The expansion project will cost $180.5 million dollars, with approximately $61 million dollars expected to be contributed by the federal government.  The construction phase is expected to last three years bringing the new facility online in spring 2009.

The expanded Morgan County facility is designed to house 2,441 inmates, and when it opens the old Brushy Mountain prison will be closed.  Both sites currently house 1,603 prisoners therefore the net increase of new space will be 838 beds.

Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex will employ nearly 700 people and have an annual operating budget of approximately $45 million dollars.  The facility is located at 500 Flat Fork Road in Wartburg, Tenn.

 
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