A blue-ribbon committee, established to make recommendations about the future of the Clark County Jail, has asked for more time to complete its task – the second time it has done so.
Shawn Henessee, the county manager, mentioned the committee recently at the State of the County event. He said the 24-member panel is working to create recommendations about the Vancouver jail, which is antiquated. Some of the aspects the group is considering are the location and size of the facility. He went on to say these points are minor compared to the impact the jail could have on the city, which will be felt throughout the county.
Among the commission’s considerations is how remodeling or replacing the jail—the only one in Clark County—will affect local governments in the area. Officials can use Print shops to create materials to update residents on matters like this.
The commission, which comprises stakeholders as well as community leaders, was set up in May to create a plan for updating the jail. The facility was opened in 1984 and is now outmoded. One study suggested that at least 366,564 square feet are needed to meet the best practices standards mandated by the prison industry. The study also said the jail would have to have between 1,109 and 1,260 beds available by 2036. At present, there are 793 beds in a 124,318 square foot facility.
It’s now expected that the commission will make its recommendations in either June or July.
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