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In a pivotal step toward modernizing Alabama’s correctional system, the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) has announced the renaming of the Elmore Specialized Men’s Facility to the Governor Kay Ivey Correctional Complex. This newly named facility, now approximately 47 percent complete, is part of the state’s ongoing prison reform initiative aimed at replacing outdated infrastructure while emphasizing rehabilitation, medical care, and mental health services for inmates. The complex is scheduled for completion in May 2026.
Located in Elmore County, the Governor Kay Ivey Correctional Complex will feature 54 buildings spanning over 1.4 million square feet. With capacity for 4,000 male inmates, the facility is designed with tiered security levels, allocating 1,168 beds for minimum-security, 1,536 for medium-security, and 192 for maximum-security inmates. Additionally, 720 beds are designated for medical and mental health needs, including acute medical care, general infirmary services, and mental health stabilization units. The facility’s flexible design allows some of these beds to be adapted for increased mental health capacity as required.
The Governor Kay Ivey Correctional Complex emphasizes a comprehensive approach to inmate health and rehabilitation. In addition to its medical facilities, it will offer confidential treatment spaces for mental health care, structured activity spaces, classrooms, and outdoor recreational areas. These features aim to support inmates’ mental and physical health while providing opportunities for education and skill-building. In total, 256 medium-security beds will be specifically allocated to support mental health initiatives, an acknowledgment of the complex challenges within Alabama’s prison population.
Advanced Infrastructure and Enhanced Security Features
The facility’s design includes significant infrastructure investments to ensure operational resilience. A 1-million-gallon water tank will supply an independent water source, complemented by a conditioned air environment, a sanitary sewer lift station, and robust emergency power systems to maintain essential operations during outages. These utilities align with Alabama’s intent to create a self-sufficient correctional environment capable of withstanding various operational disruptions.
Security measures at the Governor Kay Ivey Correctional Complex have been carefully calibrated to support a safer, more efficient environment. With 71 percent of housing designed as cells and 29 percent as dormitory spaces, the facility will improve staff control over inmate movement compared to the existing state average of 18 percent cells to 82 percent dorms. Sight lines throughout the buildings have been optimized for observation, aiming to improve safety for inmates and staff. This modernized layout reflects ADOC’s focus on reducing staff burden, enhancing safety, and creating a more manageable correctional environment to attract and retain qualified staff.
Phase One Expansion: A Second Facility Planned for Escambia County
As part of the legislation authorizing this modernization effort, a second correctional facility in Escambia County is also underway. Adjacent to the current Fountain Correctional Facility, the new Escambia Men’s Facility will provide 4,000 beds in a similar structure to the Elmore complex, supporting Alabama’s bed-replacement initiative. Plans for the Escambia site include the eventual demolition of Fountain CF, underscoring the state’s commitment to decommission outdated facilities and advance new, secure complexes.
In line with Alabama’s dedication to equitable economic opportunities, ADOC has also implemented a Minority Vendor Program to encourage minority-owned businesses to participate in this substantial project. Provisions supporting the involvement of minority business enterprises apply across all stages, from design to construction, enhancing diversity within Alabama’s infrastructure investments.
Looking Ahead
With construction progressing rapidly, the Governor Kay Ivey Correctional Complex represents a cornerstone of Alabama’s commitment to modern, humane correctional solutions. By prioritizing comprehensive care, rehabilitation, and enhanced security, Alabama aims to set a new standard for corrections facilities in the Southeast.
