WELCH - Because of the statewide demand for additional beds for inmates, a $7 million expansion of the Stevens Facility is in the works, County Commission President Gordon Lambert announced today.
The expansion project is a cooperative effort of the McDowell County Commission and the EDA. The expansion is expected to create 40 more jobs and provide much-needed office space.
The expansion involves acquiring the Southern Highlands building, which will be converted to house 135 new beds and the acquisition of the NAPA Building, which will be used for office space.
The NAPA building needs hardly any repairs and is located directly across the street from the Stevens Facility. The Southern Highlands building is located directly behind the facility and that makes both of the buildings ideal locations for the expansion, Lambert said.
“The expansion project is a part of the Commission’s ongoing thrust to diversify our coal-based economy and create additional jobs,” Lambert said.

“The project is tentatively expected to be complete in late 2009 or early 2010.”
Stevens Warden George Janis commented, “It’s all about being cost efficient. The extra space gives us the ability to work better and is much needed. Our ultimate goal is to be an ACA accredited facility. The move will help us to acquire the ACA accreditation in half the time, which is usually five years.
“The expansion means that we will have a better trained staff and a safer staff. It means that the inmates are getting the programs they need and are safer. Ultimately, that means the community is safer.”
Moreover, Janis added, “Acquiring the new buildings will add to the job security of the employees. It will make the entire facility function more smoothly, as well as making it more valuable to the state.”