Prison construction plans approved

ROXANA, Ky. (WYMT) – Federal officials have approved construction plans for a facility in Eastern Kentucky.

Representative Hal Rogers announced that the Bureau of Prisons had approved the construction of a jail in Letcher County.

The Bureau of Prisons will acquire approximately 500 acres of land in the Roxana area for construction. Officials said it will be intended to hold about 1,408 adults in custody.

“I am thrilled that the many years of hard work by local leaders in Letcher County has paid off. They have improved broadband and strengthened local infrastructure in an effort to show the BOP they are committed to supporting a new prison and the hundreds of jobs it will bring to the region,” said Congressman Rogers.

The jail has been a topic of discussion within Letcher County for years.

Rogers said it will take about a year for construction to begin.