Gov. Tomblin set to attend grand opening of prison facility today

“The governor will talk about the positive changes happening in the Division of Corrections,” Goodwin said.

That will include prison reforms that lawmakers passed during the regular session, Goodwin said.

Those reforms focus on rehabilitation, education and substance-abuse treatment to reduce overcrowding in the state’s prisons and regional jails, she added.

Division of Corrections Commissioner Jim Rubenstein said he and the staff at Salem Correctional Center can’t wait for the governor to see the refurbished facilities.

“We’re very honored to have Gov. Tomblin be there,” Rubenstein said.

The state announced in March that it was converting the former West Virginia Industrial Home for Youth into a minimum- to medium-security prison for men.

A lawsuit over the treatment of juvenile offenders at the facility prompted that decision.

The Division of Corrections began transferring adult inmates to Salem in October.

More than 300 inmates are incarcerated at the lockup, Rubenstein said.

The facility can hold up to 388 prisoners, Rubenstein said.

“Within the next week or so, we’ll be full,” he said.

The staff totals about 200, including about 140 uniformed correctional officers, Rubenstein said.

Warden David Jones has done an excellent job helping staff make the transition from the Division of Juvenile Services to the Division of Corrections, Rubenstein said.   

“The transition of the staff has been magnificent,” he said.

Rubenstein emphasized that the prisoners are not dangerous and are actually available for public works projects.

“We look forward to being good neighbors,” Rubenstein said.

Salem Mayor Bobby Samples said some of the inmates have already done some painting and installed floor tile and carpeting at City Hall.

“I think it’s wonderful they are here, and we can certainly utilize that work force,” Samples said.     

Staff writer Jim Davis can be reached at (304) 626-1446 or by email at jdavis@exponent-telegram.com