JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Plans to move the jail from downtown could start to move forward this year.
Jacksonville’s mayor told Action News Jax a big decision on the jail move is likely to be announced within the next few months.
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Moving the jail is going to be an expensive endeavor, but the promise of increased capacity, better medical care on-site, and the potential for riverfront development on the site where the current jail sits has most city leaders in agreement that the move is needed.
“Obviously, we all know that we need a new jail,” said Mayor Donna Deegan.
Right now, Mayor Donna Deegan told us city leaders are looking at whether there could be a cheaper option than forking up an estimated billion dollars for the city to build a new jail.
She said it could be more cost-effective in the long run to find a private developer to build a new facility.
The city could then lease it, rather than having to cover all of the cost upfront.
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“So, we are looking very hard at what is the best path forward. Right now, all I can tell you is what we’re doing is we’re meeting with various groups who have different ideas and plans for how they’d like to see us do that,” said Deegan.
Deegan said the decision on which path forward the city will take should be finalized in the next few months.
She added it’s possible we could see funding for the project move forward this year, but how much we could see the city put into the project can’t be known until a decision on who will build the jail is made.
“I feel like we will move forward this year, but in terms of what that means budget-wise, I don’t yet know that,” said Deegan.
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Sheriff T.K. Waters issued a statement regarding the latest developments on the jail move:
“An updated facility will enhance security, reduce overcrowding, and improve access to rehabilitation programs – all creating a safer environment for both our inmates and citizens,” said Waters. “We look forward to the Mayor’s prompt proposals to move this critical project forward.”
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