Funding for federal prison step closer to reality

BERLIN --Funding for the federal prison in Berlin moved another step closer to reality Thursday.

The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee voted 29-1 to approve a subcommittee spending bill that includes funding for the Berlin prison. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

The House version of the appropriations bill also includes language urging the Bureau of Prisons to prioritize funding for activation of facilities where construction has already been completed.

U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) as well as U.S. Congressman Charlie Bass (R-N.H.) all welcomed the recent action on funding for the prison.

“I am glad that this funding has been included in the Senate’s 2012 spending plan, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the New Hampshire delegation to see that this badly needed facility finally opens. “Taxpayers have already paid to build this prison, it makes no sense for it to stand empty,” said Shaheen.

“It will take all members of the delegation, in the Senate and House, working together to get Berlin open. This facility will ease over-crowding in America’s prisons while providing jobs in the North Country, and I will continue to make the case for Berlin as the appropriations process continues,” said Ayotte.

“It is imperative that we get the Berlin prison open as soon as possible to help create jobs and revitalize the North Country economy,” said Bass.

The 1,280-bed prison was finished last fall and the region is anxious for it to open with its 300 jobs.