The Office of the Lawrence County Commissioners Office
Announces the SB 310 Jail Funding Grant
October 29, 2021
Ironton, Ohio— October 29, 2021 —Today Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine, announced that Lawrence County, Ohio is being awarded $16,800,000 from Senate Bill 310 to go toward the construction of a new 200 bed jail facility, located in Ironton, Ohio. Senate Bill 310 sets aside $50,000,000 to help rebuild or expand local jails throughout the state. With over 50 applicants vying for this funding, Lawrence County, Ohio walked away with over 33% of the total funds set aside for these type projects. Commissioner Holliday stated “the Lawrence County jail issue has plagued our county for many years and finding a solution has been a top priority of our current administration. We have stayed the course; made informed decisions and have finally obtained success with a grant application valued at $16.8 million dollars. This is a tremendous opportunity for Lawrence County, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Although the award doesn’t get us to the finish line, it’s a huge head start. All parties involved collaborated, remained committed and successfully brought this project to fruition.”
The Lawrence County Commissioner’s would like to thank those who have diligently worked putting this project and grant application together. It was a collaborative effort of the following office holders and their staff: County Commissioners, Sheriff, Prosecutor, and Auditor, as well as many other volunteers too numerous to mention. A special thanks and debt of gratitude goes to our own State Representative, Jason Stephens, of the 93rd District who helped make this jail funding a possibility.
The County would also be remiss to not thank our Governor, Mike DeWine, as well as his staff at the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, as well as all our legislators who understood the need and passed the legislation to make this funding a possibility.
The total estimated cost of construction for the new jail facility is $31,784,185. After the state award of $16,800,000, the county will be responsible for $14,984,185 of the construction costs.
With the passage of Amended Substitute House Bill 110, the county now has the opportunity to institute, with the help of the voters, an additional 1/2 % Sales Tax to fund the construction and operational costs of this new jail facility. We now have an opportunity in which all members of society, whether a resident of the county or not, share in providing for a much-needed jail every time a taxable purchase is made in our county.
The county’s current jail was built nearly 50 years ago with a capacity of 52 inmates. Today’s jail standards have lowered the capacity to 27. The current average number of inmates far exceeds 100 forcing the county to house inmates in jails as far away as Butler, VanWert, Morrow, and Monroe counties, just to name a few. Prosecuting Attorney, Brigham Anderson stated “Lawrence County has been faced with a jail crisis for over 20 years. The announcement today paves a path to solving this problem. We are faced with a terrible drug epidemic that has caused an increase in crime and an adequate jail is necessary to keep our citizens safe.”
A new larger facility, holding additional inmates, will increase operational costs (additional staffing required by law, additional utilities, food costs, etc.). In order for the county to take advantage of this funding opportunity, the ½% sales tax increase will be needed to complete the project.
Sheriff, Jeff Lawless stated, “I am grateful for the hard work and dedication from not only our local officials, but also those in Columbus who understand our needs. I am hopeful that the citizens will continue to support our efforts in the building and operation of this facility, as it will be vitally important for the criminal justice system in our county.”
Much effort has already gone into getting ready for this funding. A potential site has been identified (former Lombard School building at 421 Lorain Street in Ironton). Because the county already owns the property, we have eliminated additional site acquisition costs.