The Port Wentworth City Council has approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Effingham County Prison for inmate labor to help with ditch and canal cutting, clearing and dredging. 

“The residents have been asking us to do more with the ditches and stormwater and just overall grass cutting. It’s a quality-of-life issue and we are happy to start this chapter.” Mayor Pro-Tem Thomas Barbee said.

 “I believe in finding solutions and look forward to seeing positive results,"  Councilwomen Gabrielle Nelson said.

 Councilman Mark Stephens said, “Crews dedicated to our ditches is going to drastically improve the character of our community!” 

A few items of for the public to consider:

 1. Inmates are not allowed to accept anything from residents, including food. 

2. Do not engage prisoners in conversation and they are not permitted to use cellphones.

 3. Prisoners are not permitted to enter any residences or private vehicles. 

4. Georgia Law 45-2-18 prohibits trading with inmates or giving of any restricted items such as any telecommunication device, weapons, cigarettes, drugs or liquor. This is a felony punishable by one to five years