Prison Expansion Could Bring Money, Benefits

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. – Expanding the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility would bring more money and fringe benefits to the community, according to prison consultant Anthony Ventetuolo.

Central Falls Detention Facility Corporation, which owns the prison, intends to more than double the prison’s capacity in hopes of landing a lucrative contract with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. If the prison brings in more revenue, it will pay out more impact fees to the city.

Wyatt is one of only two facilities in the Northeast designed, licensed and accredited to accommodate large numbers of federal inmates. The expansion idea was broached five years ago when the U.S. Marshals Services of Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island complained that the prison did not have enough room for federal inmates.

The corporation plans to add 336 additional beds to the current 310-bed facility, at a cost of $35 million, partly in hopes of making a 200-bed deal with ICE, which is trying to consolidate its federal detainees.

In addition to increased impact fees, the city can also expect several fringe benefits to stem from the prison's expansion. The corporation has pledged to replace sidewalks and street lighting in front of Macomber Stadium and will share some of its new riverfront property with a 24-hour Blackstone Valley Bike Path rest stop, which will be supervised by prison security personnel.

The corporation will also donate two 12-seat vans to the city and will give $1,500 to a scholarship fund. The prison expansion is also expected to bring 60 new full-time jobs to the community, with hiring preferences for local residents.

The corporation expects to complete the expansion in June of 2007.