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The keys to the new $100 million federal prison in Gilmer County have been turned
over to the Federal Correctional Institution. A ceremony was held on October 1,
clearing way for the opening of the large facility, with the construction of the
complex taking over two years.
The establishment of the facility was touted to bring jobs to the economically
depressed area, but Bureau of Prison officials are now saying it is important that local
people accept and utilize the bureau's hiring system, jobs posted a few at a time on a
nationwide internet site.
Officials have indicated it is a communication problem, while Glenville newspaper
editor David Corcoran says the problem is confusing, linked to appalachian culture
vs. government bureaucracy.
Several Calhoun County college graduates who have attempted to apply for prison
jobs have reported difficulty connecting with the system or saying they "just can't
make it happen." One graduate, who did not want to be identified, said "I thought they
would engage the community and try to help qualified people who live here get a
job."
With about 150 people already hired, few are from Gilmer and area counties. A
contractor is planning on building up to 40 new houses in Glenville for workers who
are relocating to the community from other states.
Problems have surfaced over responsibility for providing sewage to a proposed $3
million motel near Glenville. The motel's developers are accusing the City of Glenville
and the local utility boards of not supporting their project. Complaints have been filed
with the Public Service Commission, which could take months to hear.
The developers of the Best Western Motel, which is located out of the city limits, has
told the City of Glenville they will lay their own 10" sewer line at a distance of 2,400
feet from the city, but some of Glenville's town council contend it is the responsibility
of the Gilmer PSC.
Tempers flared at a meeting held Monday after Economic Development Director Jim
Fealy asked Councilman Bill Grottenieck to help with the project, which would
produce a $3,500 month sewage bill and employ fifteen people.
Fealy gave the Glenville Council a lesson in regional development, asking them to try
and forget the town's geographic limits. Councilman Grottenieck said ".... our
responsibility is clearly for the people of Glenville."
The City of Glenville denies they are holding up the project, indicating the Public
Service District must develop the project, there are jurisdictional and financing
concerns.
Mayor Wayne Richmond said the community has invested millions of dollars on
infrastructure to get services to the new prison, which is yet to become a paying
customer. Richmond says they are paying $13,000 on debt service alone each
month.
Reta Kight, President of the Gilmer Commission, ask the group to reconcile their
differences, stating this is an important project for the community.
The issue was not resolved, as the anger continued to surface in the meeting.
Craig Worl, one of the motel partners, said the entire project would be funded by
Gilmer County investors. Worl told the Glenville Democrat "People in town tell me they
are in shock that we can't get this sewer hook-up. They should be busting
themselves to help get this project for the county. After all, we'll build the line
ourselves and pay them to use the service."
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