Update on the Federal Prison
By Cathy Patton
According to County Commissioner Carl Urps, the new medium-security federal prison at the Indian Ridge Industrial Park is proceeding according to plans.
“We're pleased with the progress that has been made,” Urps said. “The project will help the county turn an economic corner. We're currently on the verge of that upturn.”
The prison, Urps said, will infuse about $35 million annually into the local economy. The $142 million project will employ 350 people, with 60 percent of the jobs being drawn from the local work force. Those jobs include management positions, psychology services, health services, computer services, inmate services, education services and a variety of other services.
A future announcement will detail when applications for the jobs will be taken, Urps said. Meanwhile, information on Bureau of Prisons applications are available online at www.bop.gov .
“We encourage everyone to get ready now for the jobs and the other opportunities that the prison will provide,” Urps said. “BOP employees will need housing and various other supplies and services. If we don't prepare now for those opportunities, we will lose them.”
The McDowell EDA, Urps said, has played an integral role in attracting, assisting and promoting the prison project. The EDA, he related, maintains a database of available homes and property through Cucumber & Company. The list is available for viewing at mcdowellcountyrealty.com
Urps added that pre-employment applications for various contracting jobs are available at the EDA (436-3833). After the applications are filled out, the EDA will forward the pre- applications to the respective contractors who will then mail the applicant a regular application.
In sharing important highlights of the progress, Urps said Clark Design Builders, LLC awarded a $7.3 million design/build contract in June, 2006. In September, 2006, the first construction trailer was placed on the building site.
Sen. Byrd, he noted, has led the charge to keep the prison funding on track when obstacles have arisen.
“The County Commission has been working behind the scenes on the federal prison for several years, but it would have never have come to fruition without Sen. Robert Byrd,” Urps said. “We owe him a great deal of gratitude. We also appreciate the efforts of Sen. Rockefeller and Congressman Rahall.
In providing an update on current activities, Clark Construction Office Engineer Pedram Farid relates that a number of contractors for the project have already been hired and will be busy at work as the “first package” of the prison takes shape. The “first package”, he said, entails site work and some of the foundation work. Completion of the “first package” is expected to take about six months.
Rock removal and leveling of the site is now underway and will intensify as more crews move into the area, he added.
In naming specific contractors, Farid said Elliott has the contract for the plumbing. Swope Construction, Bluefield , will be doing the foundation work. Old Castle will do the pre-cast walls. A kitchen contractor has been hired, but no electrical contractor has been hired.
When all the contractors have been hired, Farid said Clark Construction will hold an open house to introduce the contractors and companies to the public.
If all goes well, Farid said the prison construction should be complete in about 30 months.
Farid said that he is excited about the new federal prison. When the project was announced, he said he asked to be transferred from Miami to the Indian Ridge Project.
“I volunteered to come here,” he said. “I grew up in Beckley and was excited about the possibility of returning home. I now live with my grandmother in Beckley and commute.”
Farid noted that Clark Construction Vice President Dave Young has moved to Welch and that others are also in the process of relocating here.
“Everyone has been very nice and very helpful to us,” Farid said. “We've received a good welcome.”
