Ely State Prison (ESP) is a maximum security penitentiary located in unincorporated White Pine County, Nevada, about 9 miles (14 km) north of Ely. The facility, operated by the Nevada Department of Corrections, opened in July 1989. Phase I was completed and opened in August of that year. Phase II was completed in the month of November in 1990. Originally Ely had a capacity of 1,054; as of 2010 its capacity is for 1,150. The prison has a staff of 406 and is a major employer in the Ely area.