Counties Complete Jail Expansion Projects

Posted 1/10/18 (Wed)

It is a landmark milestone in the State of North Dakota. Local governments responded to a lack of inmate housing by adding 880 beds. Over the course of the year, eight jail facilities have opened with new, expanded space to hold additional inmates. The most recent counties to complete projects are Ward, Bottineau, Williams and Rolette. Their projects are summarized below.

WARD COUNTY

The jail expansion in Ward County nearly triples the jail’s capacity from 104 beds to 300 beds. The expansion cost $38 million and is funded through a half percent sales tax increase. The new layout of the jail gives correctional officers a better and safer view of the cells. The additional space was added onto the existing jail.

BOTTINEAU COUNTY

Fourteen jail cells and three holding cells were added in Bottineau County when the County completed a remodel project. Officer and inmate safety and security were the top reasons behind the remodel. Prior to the construction, Bottineau County had eight jail cells. The county is funding the project through a loan and oil revenues.

WILLIAMS COUNTY

Williams County doubled its capacity by adding 110 new jail beds in an expansion project, bringing the total number of beds to 244.

“The opening of the jail expansion gives us the ability to substantially reduce the costs to the taxpayer on a local level because we don’t have to outsource inmates. We have the ability with the space and security to do it all in house,” says Sheriff Verlan Kvande.

In addition to the law enforcement center expansion, the county built a new Williams County Administration Building across the street from the Williams County Courthouse. The Administration Building is home to the Treasurer/Recorder, Auditor, Assessor, Finance and other county departments. The courthouse will primarily be used for state and local courts.

ROLETTE

Rolette County is the newest jail to come on-line. The new Rolette County Law Enforcement Center replaces a 60 year old facility and will have 48 beds. Inmates will be moved to the new facility in the beginning of January.

Mountrail and Mercer Counties expanded their jails in 2017. New law enforcement centers with jail space were built in McKenzie County and Burleigh County as well.