Bureau of Prisons: Prison plans in compliance with EPA regulations

Saturday, Feb. 3, 2001 | 10:09 a.m.

David Dorworth, the bureau's chief of site selection, said Friday that a lengthy review has concluded that plans are in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

Kathleen Hawks-Sawyer, the bureau's director, signed the record of decision on Thursday, he said.

"She wishes to go forward with the project," Dorworth told KUNR Radio of Reno.

The plans call for 1,300 beds at the prison about 40 miles north of Reno near the California-Nevada border, Dorwoth said. It's expected to cost more than $100 million to build.

Local backers see the prison as a way to boost the Herlong economy once dependent on the Sierra Army Depot. The prison's annual operating budget is expected to be between $25 million and $30 million.

"We still have a lot more work to do," Dorwoth said.

"We still have to get the necessary permits. ... We still have the issue of getting water and sewer and other utilities delivered to the site."