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(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - Funding has been approved, allowing a new Dearborn County Jail expansion to move forward.

On Tuesday, Dearborn County Council voted 5-2 to approve the funding for the $9.3 million expansion project at the Lawrenceburg facility. The funding decision had been tabled from previous meetings.

The entire cost will be paid out of the county’s Riverboat Savings Fund. Because of that, no bond will be required making the project funding interest-free.

Council members Jim Hughes and Dan Lansing voted against the funding. They have said they wanted to see the issue put to Dearborn County voters to decide in a referendum.

In February, council approved spending $72,000 on a new financial analysis, soil study, and the construction firm hiring. Maxwell Construction, of Greendale, was hired as the construction manager in May.

As it stands now, the 23-year-old Dearborn County Law Enforcement Center holds about 216 inmates, according to a study by architect firm RQAW (http://www.dearborncounty.org/ClientFiles/DBC/file/Commissioners/RQAW%20report%20for%20web.pdf). The expansion will create space for up to 249 new beds for a total of 465.

LINKS:

Council Tables Vote On Jail Expansion Funding

Maxwell Hired To Oversee Jail Expansion

Council Keeps Easier Access To Riverboat Funds

Dearborn Co. Council Changes Vote Requirement

Funding Still In Question, But Jail Gets Council OK

Prosecutor “Sets Record Straight” On Jail Issue

With Jail Project On Verge, Lawyer Makes Plea

Commissioners Pass Jail Plan To Council

Lawyers Want Court Changes, Not Larger Jail

Lawyers Argue Against Jail Project

VIDEO: Dearborn County Pushing For Jail Expansion

Dearborn Jail Funding Ideas Given; Cost Up To $14.8M

Price Of Jail Expansion Comes Close To Referendum