Montgomery County is taking decisive action to address long-standing jail overcrowding with the launch of a comprehensive assessment to explore the construction of a new, state-of-the-art facility. With a potential price tag of nearly $400 million, the project aims to prioritize safety, sustainability, and efficiency in the county’s criminal justice infrastructure.
Montgomery County officials are advancing with an extensive study that may lead to the development of a new jail facility with an estimated cost of nearly $400 million. On Tuesday, the commissioners granted the sheriff’s office the green light to conduct a comprehensive evaluation aimed at addressing the persistent overcrowding issues and the deteriorating infrastructure of the existing jail, which was established in 1987.
This week, the facility is running at 97.9% capacity, housing 1,289 inmates in a space meant for 1,317. In February, the state approved a variance that permits the county to introduce 64 temporary beds; however, officials indicate that this solution is merely temporary. Deputy Chief Jonathan Zitzmann informed the commissioners that the overcrowded conditions pose significant safety risks for both staff and inmates, hindering the effective classification and management of the jail population.
The study will investigate current and future capacity requirements, infrastructure challenges, and the feasibility of creating a secure, expandable facility. The objective is to develop a strategy that outlines the project's financial possibilities and a comprehensive timeline for its duration. The facility faces significant challenges due to its aging plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and structural systems, with maintenance expenses projected to hit $1 million this year alone.
Since the early 2000s, Montgomery County has been grappling with the issue of overcrowded jails. In 2008, the county constructed the 1,293-bed Joe Corley Detention Center to meet the anticipated demands. In 2013, the facility changed hands due to the county's failure to meet population thresholds, and it currently operates as an immigration detention center in Conroe.
Currently, the county is accommodating 30 inmates in Waller County. This temporary arrangement incurs an annual cost of approximately $1.1 million, yet it has shown minimal effect on the broader issue of overcrowding. A significant portion of the population at the Montgomery County Jail, nearly 70%, consists of individuals who are being held before their trial and have not yet been found guilty.
In the face of infrastructure challenges, Sheriff Wesley Doolittle’s team has successfully maintained compliance, impressively passing two unexpected state inspections this year. County Judge Mark Keough commended the department’s initiatives and stated that the proposed study represents a crucial step toward a safer and more sustainable future.
Authorities emphasize that any upcoming facility should be designed with adaptability as a priority, showcasing the county’s enduring commitment to public safety, operational efficiency, and thoughtful planning.
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