Adam RollinsThis story was originally published in the Government Contracting Pipeline newsletter from Strategic Partnerships, Inc. To have the latest government contracting news stories from across the country delivered straight to your inbox, click here to subscribe.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) will build a $505 million federal correctional institution and prison camp in Letcher County, Kentucky. After the BOP approved development through its Record of Decision, the project entered the design phase with construction expected to begin in late 2025.
As part of the project’s approval, the BOP will buy approximately 500 acres to build a modern medium-security prison building, camp and ancillary facilities. The structures will house more than 1,400 inmates in total.
The BOP will design the facilities in a compact, campus-style arrangement to optimize space and minimize environmental impact. Plans include re-vegetating the nearby land after construction is concluded. The project will ensure all structures are no taller than two stories and will use low-reflective materials when feasible. The compound will include security areas, a parking lot and on-site electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for government vehicles.
The project’s ancillary facilities will include a central utility plant, garage, landscape building and an outside warehouse. The BOP will also build a staff training building and outdoor firing range, a water storage tank, an access drive and internal roadways. The site will feature a wastewater collection system.
While building the facilities, the BOP will ensure all practices align with green building design standards. The bureau will support conservation efforts by using low-volatile organic compound materials, eliminating greenhouse gas emission and using other proactive environmentally friendly measures. The facility will include additional infrastructure for future charging station expansion for employee and visitor EVs.
