RD231 - Annual Report of Board of Corrections Approved Jail Projects


Executive Summary:
Chapter 879, Item 388 E. of the 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Bill requires that the Department of Corrections shall provide an annual report on the status of jail construction and renovation projects as approved by the Board of Corrections. The report shall be limited to those projects which increase bed capacity. The report shall include a brief summary description of each project, the total capital cost of the project and the approved state share of the capital cost, the number of beds approved, along with the net number of new beds if existing beds are to be removed, and the closure of any existing facilities, if applicable. The report shall include the six-year population forecast, as well as the double-bunking capacity compared to the rated capacity for each project listed. The report shall also include the general fund impact on community corrections programs as reported by the Department of Criminal Justice Services, and the recommended financing arrangements and estimated general fund requirements for debt service as provided by the State Treasurer. Copies of the report shall be provided by January 1 of each year to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees.

During the calendar year January 1- December 31, 2009 the Board of Corrections approved three jail projects that will result in increased bed capacity. Those are for the city of Richmond as a single jurisdiction jail and for the counties of Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren as the RSW Regional Jail and for an expansion of the Rockbridge Regional Jail. The Meherrin River Regional Jail, which was approved by the legislature this year, has amended its Community Based Correction Plan and received approval from the Board of Corrections to allow the Mecklenburg Jail to become part of the regional jail. This report refers to calendar year 2009 because all other projects having an exemption from the moratorium and Board of Corrections’ approval have already been approved by the Legislature.