RAYMONDVILLE – The process of starting operations at an abandoned Raymondville prison is picking up momentum.

Willacy County Sheriff Larry Spence tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS he signed a memorandum of understanding with Management and Training Corporation on Tuesday.

The deal will allow the sheriff’s department to provide security backup and help with investigations, if needed, at the facility.

Spence says this is just one more sign that the prison will be housing detainees at the Willacy County detention center in the near future.

Watch the video above for more information.