New Tower Approved for Ford Bend County Jail

FORT BEND, Texas — County voters have approved an $80 million remodeling and expansion project that is expected to alleviate overcrowding at the Fort Bend County Jail.

Last remodeled in 1994, the seven-story jail currently has a 680-inmate capacity. The renovation will add 984 beds to the facility with the construction of a seven-story tower.

Groundbreaking was on Sept. 26 and completion is expected by May 2009. The project could also include retrofitting the tower in operation now, according to officials.

To alleviate overcrowding the county currently sends inmates to other counties that have room in their correctional facilities. Community members approved the jail expansion project in July 2006, and Carter Goble Lee LLC was hired as facility developer and project manager.