Progress updates will be posted here for current information on the new jail planning process.

050713 Notice: Request for Comments on Scope of SEIS

04/25/13 Update re SEIS process

Whatcom County Executive Jack Louws gives "Green Light" to SEIS for Jail Planning - see 04/05/13 Press Release

Sheriff Elfo's 3/13/13 Guest Editorial in the Bellingham Herald

Executive Jail Planning Workgroup roster

On April 26, 2011 the Whatcom County Council approved a resolution establishing a Jail Planning Task Force (JPTF). The JPTF was comprised of local citizens, County Administration, Sheriff's Office and Health Department staff. Their collaboration and hard work resulted in recommendations for tangible "next steps" in the development of the New Jail.

Recommendations are borne from the following JPTF statement of need:

“Due to inadequate existing conditions of the physical plant, life safety concerns and over-crowding, significant and urgent improvements are needed to current adult correctional facilities, including the physical plant, programming and alternatives to incarceration. These changes are needed in order to provide safe and cost-effective justice solutions for our community.”

• Whatcom County
• Jail Planner: DLR Group
• Jail Planning Task Force
• Sheriff's Office
• Law and Justice Council (reorganization pending)
• Public Safety Now

• Jail Planner Selection & Jail Siting - 12/04/12 Power Point Presentation
• Property Proposal Submissions
• RFP for new jail site
  
• 06/05/12 Press Release
• 05/08/12 Executive/Sheriff Presentation to Council
• 2010 Draft Environmental Impact Statement

5/16/13 @ 6pm: SEIS Scoping Meeting at Horizon Middle School, Ferndale, WA

5/22/13 @ 6pm: Code Review Meeting with Ferndale Planing Commission and City Council at WECU (5659 Barrett Rd., Ferndale, WA)

For questions and comments, send an email to:

NewJail@whatcomcounty.us

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