It is located in unincorporated Pickens County, between Aliceville and Pickensville, and also includes a satellite prison camp for minimum-security inmates.

Aliceville public officials approved the project with the support of residents who hope that the facility would provide jobs and boost local businesses.

Aliceville officials estimate the facility will generate between 700 and 1,000 trips per day, which will lead to new hotels, restaurants and gas stations being opened.

The medium-security prison is expected to house 1,400 female inmates and employ between 320 and 350 people when it reaches full operating capacity.

Inmate tutors teach skills including job searching, resume writing, budgeting and buying a home.