Officials announce decision for Vigo Co. Jail to be built near mall

The current Vigo County Jail location is walking distance to the courthouse/ ICN file photo

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

​Imagine having a new jail around three miles away from the courthouse in Vigo County.

Vigo County Jail inmates,  currently held at 201 Cherry Street, could soon have an address near the Honey Creek mall in Terre Haute, at 500 W. Honey Creek Drive. The property most recently belonged to a former golfing business.

The county commissioners announced their decision today -- in the last minute of a federal court ordered deadline demanding a site selection. 

Commissioner Brad Anderson stated that he thinks the 22-acre property is a "great location." 

Meanwhile, many residents have argued to have the new jail built close to the courthouse, in effort to keep transportation costs of inmates to a minimum. A second option under consideration by county officials was the former location of Thompson Honda car dealership, which is the closest property on the table.  The other potential choice is on SR 63, near the federal prison.
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Officials have been working  on  making a new jail become a reality following a federal lawsuit bringing issues to light regarding the current outdated facility. Overcrowding at the jail is a main concern.

The planned 526- bed facility project is expected to cost nearly $70 million.  

The site selection announced today will have to go before the Vigo County Council May 14.


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