Prison Buzz: Progress Underway in McDowell

It could be November before Congress approves a final Domestic Appropriations Bill containing funding for McDowell County 's new federal prison.

“With Election Day coming on Nov. 7, Congress, most probably will adjourn on Sept. 29 without final action on the Domestic Appropriations Bill which contains funding for completion of the McDowell facility,” Rachel Lester, the county's economic development coordinator said. “It is anticipated that Congress will reconvene in a lame-duck session to consider the domestic appropriations bill after the election.”

U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., announced earlier this year that the Senate Appropriations Committee had approved his request to add an additional $89 million in building funds for the project.

Lester said there is no reason for concern if a vote on the final Domestic Appropriations Bill – and the additional $89 million – is delayed until after Nov. 7.

In the meantime, the Federal Bureau of Prisons is on the move in McDowell County .

Lester said the agency has brought a “double-wide” mobile home to the Indian Ridge Industrial Park to be used by the bureau's construction group, and is working with county officials to start new classes aimed at teaching “Basic Skills Needed to Work in a Correctional Environment.”

“The courses will be slanted to folks interested in gaining employment with the Bureau of Prisons,” Lester said. “The lasses will also be meaningful to any individual interested in developing their skills for progress in the business world.”

--Charles Owens (Bluefield Telegraph)