Adam RollinsThe state of Ohio has released $50 million to support jail construction and renovation projects across the state. The funding is part of a state effort to enable local communities to improve obsolete and dilapidated jails.
The awards will be split among 19 counties. These projects will build new jails, expand existing facilities and commence major renovation initiatives that involve structural upgrades, security enhancements and additional small repair work.
The following are a selection of projects receiving support:
Ashtabula County will receive the largest allocation— $15 million — to renovate its jail. The project has a total cost of $40.5 million and will increase the number of beds and add special housing and court holding. In addition, the county will renovate the jail’s sallyport, intake, booking and medical and mental health areas.
Guernsey County will spend $7.4 million to renovate and build an addition to its jail. Plans include increasing the number of beds and building a medical space and confidential interview rooms.
$7 million will progress Muskingum County’s plan to build a new $87.5 million jail. The facility will feature 357 beds and critical amenities. After the jail is built, the county will close the existing, nearly 50-year-old facility.
Hocking County will receive $6.8 million to build a facility on the grounds of the former Hocking Correctional facility. The jail will exclusively hold female inmates and feature a substance-use treatment program.
Pickaway County will use $4.5 million to replace a jail’s windows and kickstart a security enhancement project. In addition, Summit County will receive $2.9 million to renovate its jail. Work will involve expanding the sallyport, intake and booking area and adding specialized mental health and recovery units and healthcare space.
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