A program to house federal prisoners in local jails is reportedly helping to keep the Pike
County Detention Center afloat.
County Jailer Brian Morris tells the Appalachian News Express about a year and a half ago the federal program began which includes a per diem rate for the inmates, and full coverage of medical costs including the salaries of guards who have to accompany inmates to hospitals.
Morris says the program does not involve letting the federal inmates out into the community and it leaves room for local inmates.