WASHINGTON (AP) – The federal Bureau of Prisons on Friday gave clearance for the new medium-security prison to be built in Berlin.

“The Bureau of Prisons announced a record of decision, which means they are committed to going forward to building this project. … This is a major step forward and means the prison is on track,” Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., said in a statement. The decision came after a major review of the final Environmental Impact Statement, comment letters and other materials.

Sens. John Sununu and Gregg say the project is expected to bring about 400 good jobs to the area. The construction of the prison also will stimulate the North Country economy, they say.

Berlin’s city manager Pam LaFlamme said the federal prison is a key component in the city’s efforts to expand its economic base now that the mill has closed. “We are looking forward to starting the next phase of the project and the jobs that it will bring to the region,” she said.

A construction contract could be awarded this spring. Once that happens, the prison is expected to take about three years to build.