Ground Broken on Downtown Jail Expansion

TYLER — Officials Tuesday held a groundbreaking for Smith County’s downtown jail expansion at Spring and East Erwin, directly behind the current jail. The ceremony kicked off the second phase of the $35 million jail bond proposal that was approved by voters last year. Phase one began with the low risk facility and includes a kitchen and laundry facility and remote video visitation. Phase two will include an infirmary and the actual additional jail beds. Officials expect the project to be complete by spring of next year.

According to officials, since the state mandated that the county start shipping its inmates off to other counties in June 2004, the county has spent approximately $18 million on their rent and transport. Officials say the new jail will provide significant cost savings, but more importantly, will greatly improve the safety of the working environment for jail staff and administration. At left is a rendering of what the downtown project will look like when complete.