U.S.P. Hazelton

Contact U.S.P.-Hazelton - (304) 379-5000

Senator Byrd Key Speaker at USP-Hazelton Dedication

August 23, 2005

Senator Robert C. Byrd spoke on the grounds of the Hazelton compound at the dedication ceremony.  He was joined by Congressman Mollohan and Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Harley G. Lippin.  Approximately 300 people, including USP-Hazelton staff and their families attended the event.

The $148 million facility currently employs more than 300 people, but when fully operational in 2006, it will employ 350.  The prison will have an annual operating budget of $39 million, most of which will be spent locally in Preston County on salaries, goods, services, and utilities.

In addition, a 512-bed secure female facility is under construction on the site.  That new $75.8 million project is expected to be fully operational in 2008.  It will employ 100 personnel and have an annual local economic impact of at least $12.5 million.

Warden Selected for USP, Hazelton

March 11, 2004 -

The Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons named Al Haynes as the first Warden for the new United States Penitentiary - Hazelton.  Mr. Haynes is a 22 year veteran employee of the agency and currently holds the position of Warden at the Federal Correctional Institution in Morgantown, West Virginia.

During his career with the Bureau of Prisons, Haynes' prior positions include Associate Warden, Executive Assistant, Regional Designator, and various Case Management positions.  He began his career with the agency in 1982 as a Correctional Officer at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago.

Haynes is a graduate of George Williams College located in Downers Grove, Illinois with a degree in Applied Behavioral Science.  He and his wife, Lydia, and son Alfonso, currently live in the area.  The Haynes' oldest son, Ladell, lives in Dallas, Texas.

"My family is excited about staying in West Virginia and I am ready to meet the challenge of activating a new facility," Haynes said.  Haynes reports to USP Hazelton the middle of May and shortly after, the institution will start the hiring process.

Project Description

The Federal Bureau of Prisons has completed construction on a United States Penitentiary (USP) to house approximately 1,000 high-security inmates as well as a Federal Prison Camp (FPC) to house 150 to 300 minimum-security inmates.  In addition, construction has been completed on staff training facilities, and other related ancillary facilities.  A 512-bed secure female unit is currently under construction.  The purpose of all of these facilities is to alleviate the present crowding within the federal prison system and meet anticipated growth in the federal inmate population.

Site Information

The Bureau acquired approximately 915 acres of land located north of the Northpointe Business & Industry Park near Hazelton, West Virginia.

Status of Project

Major construction of the new USP began 2001.  The project was completed in 2003. Construction on the Secure Female Facility began in February 2004, and the project is scheduled to be completed in January 2006.

Project Costs

The construction cost of the new USP may reach $137 million.

Employment

The high-security USP, the FPC, and the secure female unit will employ approximately 426 full-time staff members.  Approximately 60 percent of staff positions will be made available to qualified new hires.  The remaining 40 percent will be filled by current and experienced Bureau employees transferring from existing facilities.  If you are interested in a position at the new facility, find out the current vacancies here.

Annual Operating Budget

The correctional facilities will contribute approximately $30 million to the local economy.  Approximately 80 percent of the operational budget will be spent locally on salaries, goods and services, and utilities.