Okeechobee Correctional Institution Work Camp

This project is part of a two-part expansion to the Okeechobee Correctional Institution. Phase I, currently complete, consisted of a 432-bed, 16-acre work camp. Phase II, which was canceled due to funding, included a 1,400-bed annex and will include intake, medical, program facilities, and an expansion off the existing water and waste-water treatment plant.

The work camp consisted of 16 buildings including men’s dorms, food services, weather shelters, gatehouse, multi-purpose, programs, shakedown, recreation, laundry, and trash storage. Work camp buildings consists of foam insulation filled concrete masonry units (CMU) for load baring and interior wall partitions. Metal gable or hip-roofing configurations were used for all buildings. Each included a Tritech fall arrest system for maintenance safety.

Site work consisted of 4,500 linear feet of perimeter fence, patrol roads, vehicular and pedestrian sallyport, paved areas, storm water system, high pressure sodium lighting, and utilities connections. Utility work consisted of water/wastewater, electrical, gas, and telecom tie-ins to the Okeechobee Correctional Institution. In addition, the existing lift pump was demolished and replaced with new pumps, piping, electrical panel, audio/visual alarm, and associated appurtenances.

The project site is surrounded on three sides by wetlands. The Moss team worked closely with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Corrections to protect the existing wetlands immediately adjacent to the project site. Floating turbidity barriers and other special measures were taken throughout the construction process to prevent infiltration.

Project Features

• 16 buildings
• 432 detention beds
• 4,500-linear-foot perimeter fence