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RCPD to seek $31.7 million DOJ grant to expand and modernize jail; commission authorizes application
Summary
Deputy director Aaron Friedline told the Riley County Commission the Department of Justice grant would fully fund a $31.7 million project to expand and modernize the county jail and police facilities; the board authorized the department to apply by voice vote.
Aaron Friedline, deputy director of the Riley County Police Department, asked the commission for permission to apply for a Department of Justice grant that would fully fund a proposed expansion and modernization of the county’s jail and police facility.
"This project can bring $31,000,000 in federal investment into Riley County with zero cost to the local taxpayer," Friedline said, describing a shovel-ready plan that would add roughly 50 beds and modernize detention and investigative spaces.
Friedline told the board the grant would cover construction, modernization, expansion and technology upgrades. He said the project is ‘‘shovel ready’’ after a 2024 feasibility study with local architects that produced full-size drawings and cost estimates.
The deputy director said grant funding would allow the county to avoid bonding or local matching funds while improving compliance with federal detention standards and creating potential federal detainee housing that could generate future revenue through reimbursement arrangements. "Every dollar required for construction, modernization, expansion, and technology upgrades is contained within the grant request," Friedline said.
Commissioners asked whether federal partners would occupy any space and whether the expansion would displace current local staff. Friedline said federal partners typically seek limited office or interview space and would need to coordinate with the county; the design could accommodate modest office space without displacing essential county operations.
A commissioner moved to allow the Riley County Police Department to apply for the Department of Justice grant. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The board did not record a roll-call tally in the minutes; the motion passed on consensus.
What happens next: staff will proceed with the grant application before the July 15 deadline noted in Friedline’s presentation and continue to work with architects on any refinements necessary for submission. The commission authorized the application but did not commit county funds for construction, noting the county would evaluate next steps only if the grant were awarded.
