Neeser Construction has been selected to build a $220 million, 1,536-bed prison at Point MacKenzie, according to information from the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

Neeser, which recently completed the $101 million Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage, was one of two companies competing to first design and then build the male-only state Goose Creek Correctional Center.

The facility will be built about nine miles north of Port MacKenzie. Construction is expected to begin next year and wrap up in 2012. The borough estimates the project will employ 600-700 people during construction and about 350 after the prison opens.

A second proposal from joint-venture team Cornerstone Construction Co. and J.E. Dunn was said to be a strong contender, but Mat-Su purchasing officer Russ Krafft said Neeser "presented a very detailed and advanced design."

A team of seven people, most from the state Corrections Department and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, evaluated the two proposals based on a technical review, the project proposal and cost.

The Mat-Su Assembly will finalize the team's choice in December. The Assembly in September approved selling up to $275 million in lease-revenue bonds for the project, backed by a state agreement to pay lease payments over 25 years. The borough is awaiting better market conditions before selling the bonds.