Associated Press Published

Governor Tomblin Nixes Possible Transfer of Female Inmates

Prison Bars

 Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has turned down the federal government’s offer to transfer ownership of a Pendleton County Navy base to the state.

Tomblin had until Friday to decide whether to accept the offer to take control of the Naval Information Operations Center in Sugar Grove.

State corrections officials had suggested that female inmates be transferred from the Lakin Correctional Center in Mason County to the Navy base, which is closing at the end of this month.

Instead, Tomblin says the state will look for additional space for female inmates in Mason County. The West Virginia National Guard facility in Point Pleasant has been identified as a potential site.

Tomblin’s office says proposed upgrades and operating costs in Sugar Grove would cost far more than that in Point Pleasant.