Vigo County Commissioners decide on new jail location

Officials say current jail not meeting community's needs/ ICN file photo

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

The Vigo County Commissioners announced to the public today their decision for the new $68 million jail to be constructed at the former International Paper site on Prairieton Road, just across from the local public schools' aquatic center. The area has been vacant since the business closed the Terre Haute mill 10 years ago, with the county recently purchasing the land.

The site selection comes after last week's County Council meeting when some members expressed concern over a proposed increase in income tax of 1.25 percent to fund the project, especially since the location had not yet been made for the new jail.

"I'm sure you're aware of the proposed International Paper site. There are a lot of people who think that should not come about, and it may be the case that that will be the only place that makes sense in the end," county attorney Michael Wright said in response to the council members at that meeting.

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Officials have said that the current jail is not meeting the community's needs and has been the target of several lawsuits.