Lobbying for a prison

In terms of economic development, prisons aren’t necessarily aesthetically pleasing, they certainly aren’t glamorous and they attract few tourists.
But they are necessary, unfortunately, and they do bring jobs—and with those jobs a positive economic impact to surrounding towns and communities. Prisons rarely go out of business and, especially during these troubled economic times, are essentially recession-proof.
That’s why it’s so important for the community to get behind Eden’s attempt to attract a 1,008-bed, medium-custody prison to the 1,750-acre Whitt Farm property off Harrington Highway south of the city. The prison, scheduled to open in 2015, could eventually house 1,500 inmates and employ nearly 500 people.
Several North Carolina communities are vying for the new prison, but we commend Mike Dougherty, economic development director, and Brad Corcoran for helping take the lead in this endeavor. Unemployment in North Carolina was 7 percent in October, as compared to 6.5 percent nationwide.
“Absolutely, this is primarily about jobs,” said Corcoran, Eden’s city manager. “These are jobs that are recession proof. They’re not jobs that are going to go to China or South America. These facilities are built to last for decades and even to expand as needed.”
We expect little community resistance to the move, especially considering the recent closing of Hanesbrands Inc. in Eden and layoffs at General Tobacco in Mayodan. Last week, the local Red Cross food bank actually ran out of food.
Not only will the prison bring construction jobs and permanent positions, the added law-enforcement and medical personnel from the facility could provide important resources in case of an emergency.
Attracting the prison won’t be easy. The county has to secure the land, as well as the necessary infrastructure. County and city leaders will also have to lobby local lawmakers to relay Rockingham’s attributes to the General Assembly, which will ultimately decide where to build the new prisons. An initial decision could come as early as next summer.
A prison in Rockingham County might not solve our economic woes, but it will surely help.