Congressman Charles Bass

May 6, 2011

WASHINGTON – In a letter to the Assistant Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons yesterday, Congressman Charles F. Bass (NH-02) urged the agency to redirect any available funds from this fiscal year to activating the new federal prison in Berlin as soon as possible.

Bass said:

"It is unfortunate this brand-new federal prison in Berlin is sitting vacant right now because Congress couldn't do its job and pass a budget or any of the spending bills last year. This facility is vital to creating hundreds of new jobs and providing a much-needed economic boost in the North Country. As we move forward with next year's budget and appropriations process, I will be working with my colleagues in the House and the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation to ensure adequate funding is provided so we can get the Berlin Prison open and operational as soon as possible."

The text of Bass' letter to the Bureau of Prisons is below:

May 5, 2011

Dear Assistant Director Dalius:

Thank you for your response to my correspondence dated March 23, 2011, regarding the status of the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Berlin, New Hampshire. I appreciate your responsiveness and look forward to working with you in beginning the activation process for this facility.

As you know, the FCI Berlin is expected to have a $40 million annual impact on the North Country of New Hampshire and I want to ensure we begin the activation process as soon as possible. While the initial economic benefits have already been felt throughout the construction phase, we are anxiously awaiting the creation of the over 300 jobs the facility will provide.

Although the recently passed Continuing Resolution did not specifically include funding for the activation of FCI Berlin, I ask that as you develop and implement your spending plan for Fiscal Year 2011 that you keep this facility in mind. Should any funds become available, I would request that you redirect them for use in the activation of FCI Berlin so that we may begin the activation process in accordance with the originally planned summer 2011 opening.

As Congress begins the appropriations process for Fiscal Year 2012, it is a priority of mine to work with my colleagues to ensure adequate funding is provided for the Bureau of Prisons in order to meet the needs of FCI Berlin.

I look forward to your continued cooperation on this matter.

Sincerely,

Charles F. Bass
Member of Congress

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