Both the Trump and Biden Administrations have concluded that the construction of this prison is not necessary because the federal prison population is declining. Both Administrations have proposed withdrawing the funding for FCI Letcher.

The prison would be constructed on top of a former strip coal mine putting at risk the health of those incarcerated, their family members who visit, as well as correctional staff.

There is no existing infrastructure, like sewerage, water, and electricity, in the location of the proposed prison. This creates extra costs for the construction of the prison while the infrastructure of Eastern Kentucky has yet to be fully repaired after the devastating historic floods of 2022.

Construction at the existing site would destroy nearby wetlands, threaten endangered species, as well as cause adverse environmental degradation at Lilley Cornett Woods, the largest stretch of old growth forest in Kentucky.

There are no public transportation, bus or train routes to the proposed site in the small community of Roxana, KY. The closest airport is several hours away. This remote location would make it extremely expensive and nearly impossible for family members without personal transportation to visit their loved ones incarcerated at this prison.

The BOP itself acknowledges that this project will bring negligible benefits” for employment and income to the region.