Big prison in McDowell County gears up for its opening

WELCH - Construction work on the $249 million federal prison inMcDowell County is now "99 percent complete," officials said.

The process of hiring staff and purchasing goods and services isnow under way.

About 45 percent of the 320 full-time staff to serve at FederalCorrectional Institution McDowell have been selected. Eighty-five ofthe first 100 employees are from within commuting distance,according to a press release from the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

There are still jobs to be filled. It is anticipated that most ofthe staff will be hired by the end of August. The prison is locatednear the mountainous border of McDowell and Wyoming counties at theIndian Ridge Industrial Park.

The prison has had several three-day hiring events.

"It is refreshing to see such high caliber, qualified applicantsat these interviews," Warden E.K. Cauley said. "The communityeducation by the local talent team partners has definitely impactedour staffing success."

The prison will house approximately 1,152 medium security and 128minimum security adult male offenders.

Just last week, 17 newly hired employees reported to the prisonto begin 80 hours of training.

All positions at the prison are posted at www.usajobs.gov andapplications are accepted over the Internet. Job seekers also maycontact their local Workforce West Virginia office for assistance incompleting an application.

The first inmates are expected to arrive sometime this fall.Prior to that, the facility will provide tours for the generalpublic.

"We look forward to educating the community," Cauley said.