Construction is getting started on a new law enforcement center in Churchill County. As Reno Public Radio's Steve Shadley reports, it will replace the old jail in downtown Fallon late next year.
The existing Churchill County jail and courthouse is 43-years-old. It was designed to hold only 54 inmates. But, the new jail will house up to 120 people. County Commission Chairman Pete Olsen says the old jailhouse will be remodeled and later used as a courthouse.
"It's served its useful life and it’s an older design. This new design is set up for all the new standards and will provide a much safer working environment for our staff as well as being able to accommodate more inmates."
Olsen says the new center will also include room for alcohol and drug treatment programs. The county is spending three-million dollars on a down payment and the rest is financed through a loan.