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No New Letcher Prison -- Congress Rescind the $505 Million Allocated to Build a New Prison on top of a Former Coal Mine

Dear Honorable Congress Member:

I am writing in support of the non-partisan effort to rescind the funding to build a new prison in Letcher County, Kentucky. BOPs prison population is declining, and the agency itself has said that the construction of this facility will bring only "minor benefits" to the region.

Local organizations like Concerned Letcher Countians and Kentuckians for the Commonwealth have expressed and demonstrated that residents in the region also do not want this prison.

I ask that you please co-sponsor an amendment to the Appropriations Bill to rescind the previously allocated funding for this prison. Our nation can find a better use for this half of billion dollars. The reasons you should support such actions are:

1. Both the Trump and Biden Administrations have agreed and advocated that the construction of this prison is not necessary because BOP's incarcerated population is declining.
2. The construction of this prison would be on top of a former coal mine putting at risk the health of correctional staff, as well as those incarcerated and their family members who visit.
3. There is no existing infrastructure, like sewerage, water and electricity, in the location of the proposed prison.
4. Construction at the existing site would destroy nearby wetlands and adversely impact the Lilley Cornett Woods, the largest stretch of old growth forest in Kentucky.
5. There is no public transportation, bus or train routes to the proposed site in the small community of Roxana. The closest airport is several hours away. This remote location would make it extremely expensive and nearly impossible for those without their own car to visit their family members incarcerated at this prison.
6. Federal money should be used to retrofit and update existing infrastructure where there is bed space.
7. The BOP itself acknowledges that this project will bring a "minor benefits” for employment and income to the region.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me should you have any questions about this request. I look forward to hearing from you.