From staff reports
A formal dedication of a new vehicle restoration plant was held Thursday at the State Correctional Institution at Forest.
More than 40 guests attended the event at the Marienville prison.
The new Pennsylvania Correctional Industry plant will be used to train inmates for a career upon their reentry into their communities.
Construction of the $10 million project began in January 2019 and lasted just over one year. The work was done by approximately 270 contractors.
Funded by Pennsylvania Correctional Industries, which is a self-sustaining operation through the sale of items to non-profit entities, the 48,672-square-foot plant will employ eight full-time staff members and around 100 inmates.
Khelleh Konteh, the Pennsylvania Correctional Industries director, said he expects this new plant to provide meaningful jobs, training and experience for inmates in the foreseeable future, with a goal of reducing recidivism.
Inmates employed in the area will learn vocational skills which they will use to repair and maintain snowplows, tire rims, message boards and other heavy equipment vehicles for state and county governments.
Additionally, a vocational welding program recently commenced at the facility to prepare inmates for employment in the plant. Upon completion of this 14-to-16-month program, the 30 class participants will receive several certifications.