CCA Breaks Ground on Fourth Mississippi Facility

August 23, 2007
Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), the nation's largest provider of corrections management services to state, federal and local governments, held a groundbreaking ceremony today to mark the company's new construction of a company-owned and - operated correctional center in Adams County, Miss.

The Adams County Correctional Center, CCA's fourth facility in Mississippi and the company's 66th nationwide, will generate an estimated 300 new full-time jobs, increasing the company's statewide employment base to nearly 1,000. It is anticipated that the facility, which has a 1,668-bed capacity, will house federal inmates. Between 200-400 construction-related jobs also will be created.

The Adams County Correctional Center, which is estimated to cost $105 million, is slated to be completed in December 2008. The site spans more than 140 acres in southwest Mississippi near Natchez.

"This is a significant day for Adams County as the nation's leading operator of private prisons starts construction of a new facility that will help fill a need for more prison beds while enhancing the economy of southwest Mississippi," said Gov. Haley Barbour. "I welcome these new jobs and this additional investment by Corrections Corporation of America in Mississippi. The state and local officials and company representatives have worked together on this important project, and I look forward to a continuing strong relationship."

John Ferguson, president and CEO of CCA, said CCA's success in other areas of the state was a key reason the company became interested in the Adams County location.

"Our existing facilities in Greenwood, Tutwiler and Woodville exemplify the success that can be attained when we partner with the community," Ferguson said. "When Corrections Corporation of America enters a community with the building of a new correctional center, we bring increased economic vitality to that area. In addition to the wide range of full-time career opportunities we provide the local citizens, we also support the county by paying property and other applicable taxes, which benefit the overall development of the community." Ferguson said the company has a strong reputation for being active in community and service volunteer activities.

The publicly trade company, headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., was named by Forbes magazine in 2007 as the Nation's Best Managed Company in the area of Business Services, and GI Jobs Magazine has named the company one of the nation's Top 50 Military-Friendly Employers.