Weekly Connections August 11th, 2025

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of August 11th.We'll start with project updates:Henderson County, North Carolina commissioners gave the green light for $79 million in construction funding for the county's jail expansion, part of a larger $170 million Justice Center project. Henderson County Approves $79M Jail Expansion as Part of $171M Justice CenterHausmann Construction has received notice to proceed on Nebraska's new 1,512-bed prison facility in Lincoln. The $312 million contract calls for completion by August 2028. Hausmann Cleared to Begin Nebraska Prison; Henderson County Moves Forward on $171M Justice CenterIn Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Skanska has been hired to manage the construction of its $400 million prison project. Lancaster County Taps Skanska for $400M Prison Construction ManagementIn Colorado, the Colorado Department of Corrections proactively evacuated the Rifle Correctional Center, relocating 179 inmates to the Buena Vista Correctional Complex in response to the Lee Fire. https://cdoc.colorado.gov/news-article/press-release-evacuation-of-rifle-correctional-center-completed-due-to-lee-fireIn legislation and funding news:Cuyahoga County, Ohio, has received $30 million in state funding to build its first community correctional facility, a 32-bed secure treatment center for youth. Cuyahoga County Secures $30M for New Youth Treatment FacilityShelby County, Tennessee, has unveiled a $1.26 billion plan to relocate its jail to North Memphis, adding space for 3,000 inmates plus courts and a sheriff's office. Shelby County Unveils Billion-Dollar Jail Proposal with P3 ModelCalifornia has announced its fifth state prison closure, the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco, scheduled for the 2025-26 budget cycle, with expected savings of about $150 million. CDCR Announces Another Facility Closure as Inmate Numbers DropSouth Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden announced a potential $17 million land purchase northeast of Sioux Falls for a new men's prison. State legislators will consider the deal on September 23rd. https://kfgo.com/2025/08/09/governor-announces-17-million-deal-for-sioux-falls-prison-site-subject-to-legislative-approval/ Moving over to hiring and people announcements:In St. Louis, Missouri, the city is seeking a new corrections commissioner as Doug Burris steps down from his interim role. St. Louis Searches for New jail CommissionerThe Colorado Department of Public Safety has appointed Armando Saldate III to lead the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Armando Saldate III Named Colorado CBI DirectorMoving over to construction reports:In Whitley County, Kentucky, bids are being accepted for its new detention center expansion project, with proposals due August 28th. Whitley County Detention Center Expansion Bid AdSacramento County, California is accepting sealed bids for the $19.9 million remodel of the Warren E. Thornton Youth Center. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held August 12th, and bids are due September 18th. Sacramento County Opens Bidding for $19.9M Youth Behavioral Health Facility RemodelLos Angeles County Public Works is seeking CMAR proposals for $27 million in renovations to the Pitchess Detention Center, with bids due September 4th. Email Matt Jerge at [email protected] for more information. Los Angeles County Public Works Project SummaryVolusia County, Florida has selected the team of Wharton Smith and JL2 Architecture for a new $42 million administrative building for the Sheriff's Department. Volusia County Sheriff’s Department And wrapping it up with events for the week:The 79th Correctional Education Association International Conference and Training runs August 10th through the 13th in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Correctional Education Association 79th Conference & Training August 10-13 in Pittsburg, PA For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast.