SHAHEEN: BERLIN PRISON OPENING A BOOST FOR NORTH COUNTRY ECONOMY

(Berlin, NH) – The Berlin Prison will bring jobs to the North Country and help to grow the Granite State economy, said U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the official opening of the Berlin Federal Corrections Institute. The new facility is expected to create 340 local jobs and provide a $40 million economic boost to northern New Hampshire.

“After a long, challenging road, I am so glad to be here to celebrate the official opening of the Berlin Federal Prison," Shaheen said. “Bringing jobs back to northern New Hampshire is crucial for the economic revitalization of the North Country and Berlin Prison has already brought a new energy to this community.”

“This is a wonderful new beginning for the city of Berlin,” said Berlin Mayor Paul Grenier. “The economic impact that the prison will have on the region will be the largest boost in northern New Hampshire since the mills opened in the 1930's and 1940's. I look forward to a long, healthy relationship with the Bureau of Prisons and I am thrilled that we can bring strong, local jobs to New Hampshire.”

Shaheen has fought for the opening of the prison since its funding became at risk. She spoke on the Senate floor in support of federal funding and appeared on NBC Nightly News and the Today Show to discuss the issue. She has also repeatedly pressed Congress and the Obama Administration to prioritize funding for the prison.