KGMI News
MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – As the debate continues over a new Whatcom County jail, Skagit County is getting ready to open their own new and improved jail.
The 400-bed jail is a big step up from the current facility that’s built for 83, but is currently housing 200 people.
The Skagit Valley Herald reports the 100-thousand-square-foot building cost $48 million and took three years to build, but, like Whatcom County, talks about the need for a jail expansion started long before it came to voters.
The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office says they tried opening up a conversation in the mid-1990s, but didn’t get far.
Skagit’s new jail has a ribbon cutting ceremony July 11th, giving corrections deputies and other staff time to adjust to the facility.