Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction

NEWS RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 14, 1999

DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION AND CORRECTION
ANNOUNCES JAIL CONSTRUCTION FUNDS

(Columbus) – Governor Bob Taft and Reginald A. Wilkinson, Director of the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC), today announced grant awards for the construction of jails. Funding for these construction projects totals $26.8 million in state capital funds and will add additional 1,072 beds to help insure safe communities.

"It is important for Ohio communities to have safe and secure jails," said Governor Bob Taft. "With the allocation of these grant awards, local jails will be constructed to give Ohio counties greater sentencing flexibility and to alleviate jail overcrowding."

DRC formally announced the availability of funds in January of this year. Following the completion of the application process, the below listed jurisdictions were selected for full-service jail funding:

Butler County $ 10,300,000

Clermont County $2,750,000

Greene County $5,900,000

Knox County $2,500,000

Logan County $3,100,000

Monroe County $950,000

Paulding County $1,300,000

"The Department is pleased to be able to assist local jurisdictions in increasing their jail capacity," commented Director Wilkinson. "In addition to the grant awards, we are also willing to provide technical assistance to award recipients."

For further information, please contact the DRC Public Information Office at (614) 752-1150.