Funds for a new prison was allocated in 1998 under Governor Paul E. Patton to expand jobs and relieve the overcrowding of Kentucky's prisons.[2] December 2, 2001 Gov. Patton, and other public officials broke ground for an 895-bed medium security in Elliott County, Kentucky, on Kentucky 7 about five miles from Sandy Hook.[3]
Notable inmates
Steve Nunn - Former member of the Kentucky House of Representatives and son of the late Kentucky Governor Louie B. Nunn. Convicted of aggravated murder in the death of his ex-fiancée. Sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.[4]