McDowell County officials seek funding to expand Stevens Correctional Center

McDowell County officials want to expand the Stevens Correctional Center to house an additional 144 state inmates.

The McDowell County Economic Development Authority recently acquired a structure behind the prison for the expansion.

The project is estimated to cost $4 million.

Authority director Peni Adams says county officials are working to find funding for the project.

McDowell County converted an old hospital into the prison in 2006. The county manages the prison under an agreement with the state.

The prison currently can hold about 322 inmates.