Concerned Letcher Countians and allies around the country argue that locating this proposed prison on top of a mountain top removal strip mine site will lead to new environmental damage to the land, water, and wildlife, while creating environmental health risks
for prison staff, inmates and surrounding residents.
There is little evidence that this prison will generate jobs for the region. Conversely, study upon study demonstrates that prisons do not create economic opportunity for rural areas like Letcher County. Even the BOP admits that only a small number of jobs are likely to go to local residents. 
  
Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Letcher would be the fifth federal prison in east Kentucky alone and would cost the public more than $505 million.



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