Gov. Dick Thornburg called Friday, the 13th, a lucky day in Schuylkill County as he will propose construction of a new 500-cell prison near Frackville Borough, just off Route 61 near the Schuylkill Mall, that will mean 200 permanent jobs and a new annual payroll of $4.5 million.

The governor made the announcement at the Pottsville Chamber of Commerce building, saying he will ask the General Assembly to approve the project as part of the administration’s plans to increase the total state prison capacity by more than 3,600 cells.

He said the new prison, estimated to cost $27 million, will serve as an integral part of the county’s anti-crime program and will boost the region’s economic well-being.