The construction phase of the proposed new Asotin County Jail appears to be ready to move forward.
The Lewiston Tribune reports the 124-bed jail will have state-of-the-art steel cells, and construction can start as soon as the paperwork is signed.
It’s still more expensive than the first projections, but $17.3 million is about half of a previous estimate of $34 million last year following the pandemic. Voters originally approved a new jail cost of $13.7 million in 2019. Officials say the county is going to work with current funds and through strategic planning to fill the gap, and at this point, Asotin County doesn’t foresee asking taxpayers for more money for the project.
The commissioners plan to take action on the agreement next Monday.
