Grafton County to Build New $38 Million Jail

The Grafton County delegation approved a bond on a revote regarding a $38 million jail for Grafton County, New Hampshire, the Union Leader reports.

People on both sides of the issue have vehemently voiced their opinions about the new jail. Opponents claim that, in these difficult economic times, $38 million is not readily available to spend on the jail, but they do acknowledge that something does need to be done about the oercrowding and the condition of the facilities. Supporters claim that these issues have become so bad that they no longer can be put off.

Supporters are also saying that, after several redesigns of the jail, the cost will not come down any more. In fact, many say that, unless the plan is passed now, the cost of the jail will only go up, even if the design stays the same.

The new jail would have, in addition to new cells for the inmates, a medical and mental health ward. While not common in most county jails, the rural location of the jail makes such an addition necessary.

Some people feel like a newer facility may also contribute to the rehabilitation of the inmates. A newer facility would be more condusive to turning the inmates into law-abiding citizens rather than an aging prison that is overcrowded.