According to a report in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, In a significant development for Allen County, officials have greenlit a major jail construction project with a maximum budget of a $268 million. When factoring in design services, furniture, and equipment, the total cost is projected to reach approximately $305 million – a figure $45 million lower than initial estimates. The new facility, expected to be completed by November 4, 2027, aims to address longstanding issues of overcrowding and aging infrastructure at the current downtown jail.

The decision, unanimously approved by the Allen County commissioners on Friday, follows a competitive bidding process that concluded in December. Cody Michaud, project executive for Weigand Construction, noted that the bids came in significantly lower than anticipated, saving roughly $15 million on construction costs. “This was achieved without compromising the safety of officers or inmates, and it ensures the facility will meet community needs for years to come,” Michaud said.

Originally, the plan included four cell pods, but the approved design now features five. This expansion has sparked some debate among local officials. County Council Vice President Paul Lagemann, R-3rd, expressed concerns about the long-term financial impact. “A larger jail could lead to higher operational costs and potentially more inmates,” he cautioned. “If you build it, they will get sentenced.”

Lagemann suggested that if a fifth pod is necessary, it should be used to consolidate services by relocating Community Corrections to the new facility. “If we’re going to spend the money, let’s make government more efficient in the process,” he said.

Commissioner Rich Beck commended the construction team for providing clarity on the project’s costs, while Commissioner Therese Brown expressed hope that the finalized budget would dispel any misinformation surrounding the project. “There have been so many misconceptions about this project,” Brown said. “We’re committed to completing it efficiently and potentially finding even more savings along the way.”

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