FRESNO (KMJ) — A ground breaking in Downtown Fresno officially marked the start of work on Fresno’s County Jail’s West Annex.
Construction is expected to take two years and once complete officials say it will have 300 beds, with a mixture of small and medium capacity housing units.
It’s designed to replace the South Annex Jail, which was first used in 1941.
“This new facility we are calling the West Annex Jail will be built with a focus on not just safety and security, but with programming inmates in preparation for their eventual release, as well providing areas for their treatment of the mentally ill and a day reporting center,” announced Sheriff Margaret Mims during Thursday’s ceremony.
“This will not be additional beds, but this facility will replace that building built in 1941, our South Annex, which is expensive to maintain an inefficient to staff.”
The total cost of the project is estimated to be $101.8 million. Bonds secured by SB1022 will cover $79.2 million. Construction is expected to be complete by July 2020.
Hear the report by KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
