Ely State Prison (ESP) is located approximately nine miles north of Ely and is a maximum-security institution. The site for ESP was acquired in 1987. Phase I construction was completed in July 1989 with Phase II construction completed in November 1990. ESP was converted to maximum security custody housing upon the opening of Phase I of the medium security Lovelock Correctional Center. ESP is equipped to house and care for the most unmanageable inmates to include death row, disciplinary, and administrative segregation in its population. Religious, self-help, recreational, and educational programs are offered to the inmates. Statutory Authority: NRS 209.