Indiana Governor Breaks Ground on $1.2 Billion Prison Project

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb marked a historic milestone on Thursday as he broke ground on a colossal $1.2 billion prison project in northern Indiana. This monumental undertaking stands as the most expensive building project ever to grace the state's records.

The groundbreaking ceremony heralded the beginning of construction for the Westville Correctional Facility, a state-of-the-art prison set to rise in LaPorte County. Once completed, this remarkable facility will serve as a replacement for two existing prisons: the current Westville Correctional Facility and the nearby Indiana State Prison in Michigan City.

The current Westville prison boasts a peculiar history, having undergone transformation from a state mental health center constructed in 1951 over four decades ago. In stark contrast, the foundation of the Indiana State Prison was laid before the Civil War, marking a journey through time.

This colossal endeavor is allocated a budget of $1.2 billion, representing the most substantial financial commitment ever made to a building project within the state of Indiana. The newly planned Westville Correctional Facility spans a whopping 1.4 million square feet and is envisioned to accommodate approximately 4,200 male inmates. It promises to offer a modern and efficient environment for both inmates and the over 900 dedicated staff members of the Indiana Department of Correction who will work there, as stated in a press release by Governor Holcomb, a member of the Republican Party.

Governor Holcomb emphasized the mission behind this ambitious project, stating, "We are consolidating and building the largest correctional facility in the state with much-needed security upgrades, expanded health care and education services, and an enhanced recidivism program for incarcerated individuals."

One remarkable feature of the new prison, scheduled for completion in early 2027, is the inclusion of a 240-bed mental health unit. The Republican-controlled General Assembly demonstrated their support for this initiative by allocating funding for the project in both the 2021-22 and 2023-24 state budgets.