FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT:  DORINDA CARTER
February 1, 2008	615-741-1000, EXT. 8144 (OFFICE)
	877-909-5128 (PAGER)

PRISON EXPANSION PROJECT MOVES FORWARD

WARTBURG, Tenn. - Governor Phil Bredesen's recommended state budget will allow the Morgan County prison expansion project to move forward.  The expansion is expected to save the state nearly $4 million dollars each year and create 255 new jobs.  In his State of the State address on Monday, Governor Bredesen said, "One of the ways to prevent crime is to make sure we have the space to keep those who commit it behind bars."  Once complete, the new facility will house 2,441 inmates, making it the second largest prison in the state system.

"The role of the Department of Correction is to help promote public safety in our communities," said Commissioner George M. Little.  "This expansion will allow us to keep more dangerous felons off the streets and improve the quality of life for all of us in Tennessee."

The Morgan County Correctional Complex will lead to the decommissioning of the aging Brushy Mountain State Prison.  Commissioner Little will tour the expansion site on Thursday, February 7th.  The media is invited to attend.

What:	Morgan County Expansion Project Tour
When:	Thursday, February 7, 2008, 11:30 a.m. (EST)
Where:	Morgan County Correctional Complex 500 Flat Fork Road Wartburg, Tennessee  37887

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