WASHINGTON, D.C. — A proposal to build a medium-security federal prison and prison camp in Letcher County is one step closer to becoming a reality, following an environmental review by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers announced that development on Friday. He said the BOP has indicated it plans to move forward with the project. The congressman applauded the news, which he said could mean a boost for the local economy.
“Building a medium-security prison and camp in Letcher County will add more than 300 jobs in our region, employing people from surrounding counties, and providing other economic development opportunities,” Rogers said.
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement now classifies construction of the prison in Letcher County as the BOP’s “preferred alternative.”
”Based upon potential environmental impacts applicable to each site, the FBOP has determined that the proposed development at the Roxanna Site to be the Preferred Alternative,” the report concludes. “The Preferred Alternative meets the project objectives, is technically feasible, would have fewer natural resource and other environmental impacts, and incorporates measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate environmental impacts to the extent practicable.”
Despite the congressman’s support, the issue has divided Letcher County, with some seeing it as a potential economic windfall, and others as an unnecessary expense that will mean little for locals.
But Rogers sees opposition to the prison as shortsighted, because failing to build it in Letcher County will mean its benefits go elsewhere.
“If this new prison facility isn’t built in Letcher County, it will be built in another state and Kentucky will lose out on the funding and opportunities that come with it,” Rogers said. “So, I am pleased to see that the DEIS confirmed that the site in Roxanna meets the environmental requirements.”
Friday’s development is not the final word on the matter. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement recommending the project move forward is now subject to public review until April 15.
To learn more about the project and how to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, visit https://www.proposed-fci-letchercountyky.com/.
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