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Clark County continues site search and funding push for public safety building as costs climb
Summary
Officials said the county is evaluating more than 30 properties for a public safety/jail project as estimated costs rise; commissioners said they are pursuing state and federal funding and expect further work on site selection and program scope.
The Board of Clark County Commissioners discussed ongoing efforts to locate and fund a new public safety building and jail during the April 1 work session. Commissioner Sasha L. Rittenhouse said the county "continues to look for any funding we can find from state and federal dollars" and plans to raise the issue during an upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. She noted that cost estimates have risen from around $50 million to roughly $100 million and said delays are increasing the project price.
Sheriff Chris Clark told the meeting staff have evaluated more than 30 properties while seeking a site that limits community impact and allows countywide operational coverage. "There has not been one that is 100% right," he said, describing a search for the "sweet spot." Commissioner Richard L. Lohnes said the county is also exploring options to ease jail crowding and that state-level capital funding discussions are underway; he said Representative Kyle Koehler has pushed to increase annual jail-designated capital allocations.
Commissioners discussed the operational trade-offs of a new facility. Lohnes warned that if a new jail is built "the judges are going to fill it up," and Rittenhouse said the county wants a facility that could include mental health and education resources to reduce recidivism. Reentry Director Brooke Wagner noted April events marking reentry and second chance initiatives.
No site or funding package was approved at the meeting. Officials said evaluation and outreach will continue.
