Hays County Expands Jail Facility With $64M New Addition in San Marcos Texas

The Cochise County Jail District Work Session held on July 23, 2025, focused on the presentation by representatives from Vanir, highlighting recent jail expansion projects in various counties. The meeting provided insights into the planning and execution of significant jail construction initiatives, emphasizing the importance of strategic expansion in response to growing needs.

The session began with a discussion on the Hays County Jail expansion in Texas, which involved a $64 million investment as part of a broader public safety bond program. The project was designed to accommodate 1,100 beds, with an initial phase that included the construction of a 192-bed addition. This expansion required the demolition of an existing maintenance building to facilitate the new construction, which also included essential support facilities such as a kitchen and medical area.

Following this, the representatives presented the Pueblo County Detention Center project in Colorado, which is projected to cost $165 million. This facility is notable for being master-planned for 1,200 beds, with the first phase set to include 672 beds. The project is expected to be completed next year and will be recognized as the first net-zero energy detention center in the United States, showcasing a commitment to sustainable building practices.

The discussions also touched on the financial implications of these projects, particularly the costs associated with achieving net-zero energy standards. The representatives noted that scaling down the Pueblo County project could lead to costs in the range of $130 to $140 million for smaller facilities, depending on various factors including site work and utility installations.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts in Cochise County to enhance jail facilities through careful planning and investment, reflecting a broader trend in addressing public safety and operational efficiency in correctional systems. The next steps involve continued evaluation of these projects and their potential impacts on local communities.