WELCH - Although it won't open until November, hundreds have already submitted job applications for the Stevens Correctional Facility in McDowell County.
The project construction is expected to be completed by Oct. 21, and the facility is scheduled to open in late November or early December. The prison will create about 120 new jobs. However, more than 400 have already applied for employment at the prison.
"We have right now approximately 400 applications for the prison, and we have been interviewing day by day," Judy Cortellesi, a member of the county commission, said. "Right now, we are focusing on the correctional officer (positions)."
In addition to correctional officer slots, Cortellesi said the prison also will employ workers for housekeeping, maintenance and other related departments.
"There are different jobs to fill," Cortellesi said. "Because we are not just housing inmates. We are helping inmates."
Cortellesi said even more applications are expected between now and the project opening. If the county is approved for a federal prison, Cortellesi said those who are already trained and employed at the state prison could become highly qualified candidates for the federal prison.
The fact that the state prison is being constructed directly adjacent to U.S. Route 52 at the site of the former Stevens Clinic also is helping to improve public awareness of the project.
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