[Comments on FPI Authority To Construct Prison Camp with Own Funds]

GAO examined whether or not the Federal Prison Industries (FPI) had the authority to construct a prison camp in Marianna, Florida, using its own funds. GAO held that although FPI does have legislative authorization to make expenditures from its revolving fund to build industrial facilities and secure residential camps at sites selected by the Attorney General for the confinement of prisoners who are employed in public works or public improvement projects, the prison camp at Marianna, Florida exceeded these limitations by providing prison-type facilities not associated with a federal public works project. Therefore, FPI's funds were not available to pay for the construction of such facilities.