Funding Awards Coming To Four Area Jails
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(Columbus) – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Director Annette Chambers-Smith have announced that the state will award $50 million in grants to support construction and renovation projects at 19 local jails across the state.
The funding will be awarded through the Ohio Jail Safety and Security Program, which was launched by Governor DeWine in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly in 2021. The goal of the program is to help local communities fund improvements at functionally obsolete and structurally failing jails.
“This funding will not only support safer environments for those living and working in our local jails, but it will also help prepare inmates for release by creating improved spaces for workforce development, educational opportunities, and other programming,” said Governor DeWine.
Pickaway County will receive $4,489,546 to replace windows and undergo a security enhancement project at the jail. The projects will support the safe and secure operation of the facility. The jail was built in 1992.
Ross County will receive $400,397 for a security enhancement project at the jail. The jail was constructed in 1988, and the security upgrade will support the safe and secure operation of the facility.
Highland County will receive $379,504 to renovate restrooms and make security enhancements in the facility. The award represents approximately 80% of the total project cost. The jail was built in 2001.
Hocking County will receive $6,755,413 to complete the new female jail facility on the grounds of the former Hocking Correctional facility. Once complete, the facility will hold female inmates and a substance-use treatment program.
In total, seven counties are receiving funding for new jail construction, expansion, or major renovation projects; 11 counties will use funding for structural upgrades, security enhancements, and smaller renovation projects; and one county will receive a grant for a needs assessment/feasibility study.
“This funding will provide more safety and security in facilities and more space for programming, which will improve conditions for both staff and incarcerated people,” said Director Annette Chambers-Smith. “We are helping these jails provide what they need to better meet the demands of the criminal justice system in their county and prepare the incarcerated population for release back into their communities.”
Funding for this round of the Ohio Jail Safety and Security Grant Program comes from the current capital budget. Including today’s announcement, more than $228 million in state funding has been awarded to 50 jails serving over 50 counties.
The program is administered through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s Bureau of Adult Detention.
