THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 23, 1994 TAG: 9412230521
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: BIG STONE GAP LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
The state wants to build a medium-security prison in Wise County in southwest Virginia, the secretary of public safety says.
The Department of Corrections will sign an option on more than 150 acres near Big Stone Gap for the $54 million facility, said the official, Jerry Kilgore, on Wednesday.
The prison would house 1,247 inmates and employ more than 325 people, Kilgore said. An additional 195 jobs will be created in the area, according to an economic impact analysis.
The site is included in a general obligation bond issue proposed by Gov. George Allen on Monday. Voters would decide in November 1995 whether to fund the prison construction.
Kilgore said he was pleased that the town of Big Stone Gap unanimously endorsed the prison.
``The commonwealth has a need for new prisons, and locating in Wise County is beneficial to the locality and the commonwealth,'' Kilgore said.
``The new facility will provide jobs and economic opportunity for the people of Wise County and bed space for future prison needs.'' by CNB