The new Downeast Correctional Facility men’s re-entry unit in Machiasport is nearly complete, but pandemic-related supply chain delays mean it may not open for several weeks.

Gary LaPlante, director of operations for the Maine Department of Corrections, said furniture, fixtures and equipment needed for the pre-release center might not arrive until after the first of the year.

“A lot of the product is off the coast of California,” he said. “At this point and time, we’re holding out hope the items will show up earlier than they thought.”

The new pre-release center will accommodate 50 inmates who have progressed through the criminal justice system and are close to being released back into the community. They will get work experience and perform community restitution, such as helping Washington County towns with projects they might not otherwise be able to afford to have done, LaPlante said.

The $8 million project is likely to come in under budget, LaPlante said, and the facility will employ 15 people. The residents will share “open-concept dorm” type rooms and have access to a dining area, a day room, outside space and potentially an outdoor garden, he said.

The building replaces a 140-person correctional facility shuttered by former Gov. Paul LePage in 2018.