Virginia Plans New Regional Jail Facility

ROANOKE, Va. – A $70.9 million jail project is in the works, and a new regional authority has been created to oversee its planning and construction.

The Western Virginia Regional Jail Authority will include members from Roanoke, Franklin and Montgomery counties, and from Salem, with three members (the sheriff, an elected official and an administrator) from each area. In addition to overseeing design and planning, the authority will own and operate the jail.

Currently, plans call for a 592-bed facility. Beds would be divvied up among the localities, with Roanoke County receiving 225 beds, Franklin County receiving 189 beds, Montgomery County receiving 118 beds and Salem receiving 60 beds.

If the project is approved by the Board of Corrections and receives financing from the state, construction could begin in fall 2006. The jail is expected to open in fall 2008.