Extra $24M for new Wis. jail clears early test of support by public works committee

The funds would allow the county to close two of its existing jail facilities and build a new seven-story tower

By Lucas Robinson
Wisconsin State Journal

LANSING, Mich. — A Dane County public works committee has recommended a measure that would allow the county to borrow an extra $24 million to help fund the construction of a new jail, a move that keeps the original vision for the project alive amid skyrocketing construction costs.

The budget amendment was recommended on a 4-1 vote Tuesday evening after dueling proposals were introduced last week that sought to either cut costs at the expense of jail services or boost total spending from $148 million to $172 million.

If given the blessing by a three-fourths majority of the County Board, the $24 million would allow the county to close two of its existing jail facilities — the 1950s-era jail in the City-County Building and the aging Ferris Huber Center — and build a new seven-story tower behind the county’s third jail facility in the Public Safety Building. The new jail would have 922 beds.

FULL STORY: Extra $24 million for new Dane County Jail clears early test of support by public works committee