Construction is officially underway on a new 126-bed correctional unit at Hays State Prison, located just south of Trion, the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has confirmed. The project marks a significant expansion for the facility and is part of a broader statewide initiative to modernize and enhance Georgia’s prison infrastructure.
Speculation among local residents and leaders began last week after demolition work commenced on old annex buildings adjacent to the main prison compound. Many were reportedly unaware of any pending construction plans.
Joan Heath, Director of Communications for the Georgia prison system, addressed these inquiries, confirming to The Summerville News this week that the site is being prepared for a new pre-manufactured, hardened prison cell unit.
“Demolition work has begun on the existing annex building on the grounds of Hays State Prison, in advance of site work and preparation for installation of a pre-manufactured, hardened prison cell unit that will contain 126 beds,” Heath stated.
According to Heath, the new unit is designed for rapid deployment, expected to be operational in under 12 months. It boasts a projected lifespan of up to 30 years and is designed to be built on existing state prison grounds without burdening current staff levels. The GDC anticipates the installation at Hays State Prison to occur in the Fall of this year.
By the Department of Correction’s description, Hays manages “some of the state’s most challenging offenders”. The facility opened in 1990 and currently has a capacity of 1683 prisoners.
The estimated cost for the new 126-bed unit is $24,155,096.
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