Houghton, IA – The Lee County Board of Supervisors could soon get a look at renovation plans for the county jail. The state has said Lee County must soon determine how it will replace three run-down housing trailers that have been in use for about a decade. Consultant John Hansen says, after months of work, a place could be ready, in a couple of weeks, that addresses those trailers and other needed jail expansions. Prior to that happening, Hansen says the plans will be reviewed by a recently-formed citizens committee. He says the 25-member panel, which will tour Wapello County's jail this weekend, will help guage the feasibility of a bond referendum passing to pay for the project.
You can hear more with John Hansen of Midwest Construction Consultants by clicking the audio link above.
Additional Information
* The citizens committee has already toured the Lee County Jail.
* Lee County first formed a sub-committee to explore jail renovations in late 2005.
* Early plans call for a 130-bed facility with more capability for female inmates or those with mental health conditions.