Bureau of Prisons released new Draft Environmental Impact Statement

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is moving forward with the proposed development of a Federal Correctional Institution and Federal Prison Camp in Roxanna, Kentucky, according to the agency’s new Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) published on Friday. 

“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,” said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. “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.” 

In 2006, Congress directed the BOP to initiate various investigations leading to development of a new federal correctional facility in Letcher County, Kentucky. Since then, Congressman Rogers has secured more than $500 million for construction of the BOP’s next prison facility. 

According to the BOP, out of its 122 institutions, 62 were developed between 1890 and 1991, 55 institutions were developed between 1992 and 2007, with the remainder developed since 2008. BOP’s new proposed facility will address safety, modernization needs and overcrowding. 

“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,” continued Rogers. 

The next step in the process includes another public comment period. Federal agencies, Tribal, Commonwealth, and local governments, interested parties, and the public are invited to comment on the DEIS and the Proposed Action which will be the subject of a 45-day review period beginning March 1, 2024 and ending April 15, 2024. 
 
The DEIS and information about the Proposed Action can be found on the project website: https://www.proposed-fci-letchercountyky.com.

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