Lanesboro Correctional Institution dedicated

Michael F. Easley Governor		Theodis Beck Secretary
North Carolina Department of Correction

For Release: IMMEDIATE	Contact: Keith Acree
Date: November 18, 2003	Phone: (919) 716-3700

Lanesboro Correctional Institution dedicated POLKTON—Correction Secretary Theodis Beck today dedicated the new Lanesboro Correctional Institution, a 1,000-cell close custody facility for adult males. Sen. William Purcell, Rep. Pryor Gibson, former state senator Aaron Plyler and Anson County Commission chair Blake Hildreth joined Secretary Beck, local officials and citizens for the ribbon cutting ceremony. "We can celebrate that this facility will strive to be a good neighbor in the community and that its employees will build meaningful and lasting relationships with local officials, business owners and residents," said Secretary Beck. "We can also celebrate 400 new jobs that have been created in this community." The prison’s 403 positions will generate approximately $12-million in salaries with an estimated annual operating budget totaling $18 million. Lanesboro Correctional Institution sits on a site adjacent to Brown Creek Correctional Institution on Camden Church Road. The second of six 1,000-cell close-custody prisons being constructed in North Carolina, the prison has a standard operating capacity of 864 beds, with 128 segregation cells and 8 health care beds. Inmate occupancy is planned for late December. In addition to the housing areas, the 410,000-square foot facility will contain administrative offices; warehouses and maintenance areas; a kitchen and dining hall; academic, vocational and religious program areas; medical and mental health treatment areas; and a visitation room. Correctional staff will work with South Piedmont Community College to provide educational and vocational programs for inmates. The educational programs will include basic skills instruction and other classes to prepare inmates to pass the adult high school equivalency exam. Lanesboro Correctional Institution will hold a Community Open House Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 23 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. This will be the last opportunity for the public to view and tour the prison before the facility begins to house inmates. Public tours will be available both days along with information regarding employment opportunities at Lanesboro Correctional Institution. # # #