Crawford: “We’re Committed to Bonne Terre”

       
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More than 200 people turned out for the fifth anniversary celebration at Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center (ERDCC) in Bonne Terre. The event was held on February 13, 2008. While many of those in attendance were current ERDCC employees, some retirees attended as well.

"It was a good experience," ERDCC Warden Steve Larkins told the Horizon. "It was a milestone in the life of this organization. It opens the door to a bright future in the years to come."

Missouri Department of Corrections Director Larry Crawford, Division of Adult Institutions (DAI) Director Tom Clements, Warden Larkins and Bonne Terre City Manager Larry Barton spoke at the celebration. The ERDCC Honor Guard presented the colors. State Sen. Kevin Engler, R-Farmington, and State Rep. Brad Robinson, D-Bonne Terre, were invited but were unable to attend because the Legislature was in session.

"I'm proud of our ERDCC staff and their dedication to public safety," Crawford said. "This is the largest prison in the state, and it also serves as a transportation hub for the Department's eastern region. We're committed to Bonne Terre, and we appreciate the support we've received from the community."

The $168 million facility has 753 FTE (full-time employees) and more than 100 contract employees who work in medical and substance abuse. ERDCC is one of the largest employers in St. Francois County, with an annual payroll of $21,444,368. In addition to City Manager Barton, several members of the Bonne Terre Chamber of Commerce attended the celebration.

"That demonstrates a commitment from the city and the Chamber of Commerce that the institution is a vital part of the community," Larkins said.

ERDCC was dedicated in February 2003 by then-Governor Bob Holden and former Department Director Gary Kempker. It's a maximum-security institution located on 213 acres. ERDCC also serves as the point of admission for male offenders committed by the courts in eastern Missouri to the Department of Corrections. The prison currently has 2,689 offenders. The perimeter encompasses 76 acres and has 19 buildings, including four reception and diagnostic housing units, a minimum-security unit and six general population housing units. It also includes a building that houses a library, gymnasium, chapel, education and general population medical unit, an industry building and a building that houses reception and diagnostic intake, food service, records, psychology and custody supervisory offices. The administration building houses all administrative offices, the main control center entry and the armory. Two buildings outside the perimeter include the cook-chill operation, maintenance, the power plant, warehouse and the institutional mailroom.

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