SE Kentucky News

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Harold “Hal” Rogers from Kentucky expressed his approval as the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) takes a significant stride towards establishing a Federal Correctional Institution and Federal Prison Camp in Roxanna, Kentucky. This advancement was revealed through the agency’s recently published Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on Friday.

Congressman Rogers, known as the Dean of the House, highlighted the positive impact of the project by stating, "The Federal Bureau of Prisons employs more than 1,300 people in Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District, investing more than $83.7 million each year in wages in our region." He further emphasized the economic benefits, noting that "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."

The initiative to construct a federal correctional facility in Letcher County traces back to a directive from Congress in 2006, with Congressman Rogers playing a pivotal role in securing over $500 million for the construction of the upcoming prison facility. Highlighting the necessity for this development, the BOP revealed that a significant portion of its institutions were established between 1890 and 1991, underscoring the need for modernization and addressing overcrowding issues.

In response to potential concerns about the project's location, Congressman Rogers reassured, "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. So, I am pleased to see that the DEIS confirmed that the site in Roxanna meets the environmental requirements."

The next phase of the process involves a public comment period, allowing various stakeholders to provide feedback on the DEIS and the Proposed Action. Interested parties are encouraged to participate in the 45-day review period, commencing on March 1, 2024, and concluding on April 15, 2024. Detailed information regarding the DEIS and the Proposed Action can be accessed on the project website: https://www.proposed-fci-letchercountyky.com.