Voters in Flathead County, Montana, have approved a $105 million bond funding the construction of a new jail and public safety offices.
The existing jail has been in a state of poor condition for years as officials struggle to appropriately manage overcrowding and ongoing degradation of the facility. As the jail decays, it has posed a risk to the well-being of officers, caused power outages and has been susceptible to flooding.
The bond funding will enable the county to build a replacement jail with modern amenities and ample capacity to meet the needs of local law enforcement. The 118,294-square-foot jail will double the current facility’s capacity to 200 inmates.
As part of its expanded design, the jail will feature a special housing section with capacity for 42 inmates with mental illnesses, health issues and who are prone to extreme violence. Improved security and surveillance systems are a top priority, as well as procuring detention-grade necessities and equipment for jail facilities.
The floor plan is divided into a 101,755-square-foot first floor with a 16,539-square-foot mezzanine. The facility will include ample bed housing for inmates, an inmate services area, and an intake space.
The bond will also fund the inclusion of new offices attached to the facility for public safety officials. Amenities will include offices for the sheriff’s administration, warrants, civil, finance SVOR registry and records. Additional spaces will be provided for detectives, patrol, the Office of Emergency Services and a dedicated courts space. The county will also build a gun range near intake.
Photo by Pok Rie from Pexels
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