New Chillicothe Correctional Center Construction Project is 80 Percent Complete

 
Click on the image to enlarge.

Despite heavy rain, snow and ice this winter, construction of the new Chillicothe Correctional Center (CCC) is about 80 percent complete. Substantial completion is expected by June 2008.

"It is just very aggressive right now," Chillicothe Correctional Center Warden Jennifer Miller told the Horizon. "They (JE Dunn Construction) are moving quickly to try to accomplish their deadline."

Miller said several buildings are close to 100 percent completion. Those buildings include Administration, Administrative Segregation and Mental Health Facility, Power House and Housing Unit 8. All of the masonry work is expected to be finished by early April. In addition, crews continue to install security fencing for the new prison, with several sections of fence up and in place. Security equipment is also being installed. Miller, Division of Adult Institutions (DAI) Deputy Division Director Patricia Cornell and Office of Administration (OA) representatives recently traveled to San Antonio to tour the ISI factory and finalize equipment design for some of the security equipment that will be used in the new prison.

Governor Matt Blunt is recommending an approximately $14 million increase in the fiscal year 2009 budget for the new CCC.

Missouri's female prison population has increased by 150 percent during the past 10 years. Missouri had 1,071 female prisoners in fiscal year 1996. In fiscal year 2006, that number had increased to 2,522. The existing CCC has an operating capacity of 525. Capacity for the new prison will be 1,636.

"One of the largest problems we have in the Division of Adult Institutions is the population increase we've seen at the old Chillicothe prison and at Vandalia," DAI Director Tom Clements told the Horizon. "The Governor's support will enable the Department to manage the offender population at Chillicothe safely and reduce overcrowded conditions at Women's Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center."

CCC has been in existence as a youth facility or prison since 1895. Miller said the new prison is being designed to be more energy efficient than the current facility, and will incorporate many of the latest energy-saving technologies such as an improved boiler system, better HVAC controls and more efficient lighting. Energy costs are also expected to be lower.

Back to E-Horizon