THOMSON- After State Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) passed legislation last year to secure the transfer of the Thomson Prison to the Federal Government's Bureau of Prisons, it recently announced the agency's first phase of hiring 300 employees.
Next week, the Federal Bureau of Prisons will host three opportunities for area residents to participate in hiring events at AUSP Thomson. After the initial hiring, the agency will be working toward filling an additional 800 positions.
"The transfer of Thomson Prison brought in an initial $140 million to help us balance the state's budget and pay our backlog of bills. Now with the reopening of the prison we can easily expect an additional 1,100 jobs in our region," said Jacobs. "These are good paying jobs for area residents. This is the type of economic development our region needs to continue to grow."
Last year, Jacobs worked to pass Senate Bill 30, which secured the transfer of Thomson Prison from the state to the federal government. The transfer meant the federal government could begin using the shuttered state facility.
The reopening of the Thomson Prison is estimated to generate more than $122 million annually through payroll and operating expenses. Additionally, local business sales are projected to net an additional $61 million in the area.
AUSP Thomson Job Fairs:
Location: AUSP Thomson (1100 One Mile Road, Thomson)
Date: September 16
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Date: September 17
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Date: September 18
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information on Thomson Prison job openings visit www.bop.gov/jobs
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