Elba was converted in June 1976, from a previous State Highway Department Road Camp into a Work Release Center with a capacity for 55 inmates. Since then the Center has expanded into a 204 inmate capacity facility with four dormitories, areas for recreation, food service, and administration, a renovated officer’s control center, increased inmate showering, and a secure holding cell.

Elba has various self-help/improvement and treatment programs to include ABE classes and AA/NA group sessions. The Center maintains a high degree of employment with jobs in car dealerships, poultry processing plants, and builders of composite type columns. The inmates also provide free labor for on going community work projects with local cities, townships, and National Guard Units.