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The center will be an efficient, modern facility that provides the necessary space to expand the county’s innovative restorative justice programs to better transition inmates back into the community and decrease future recidivism as well as provide the housing space required by the state Commission of Corrections, according to a news release.
The new facility is expected to be complete in 2020 and will eliminate the need to house inmates in other counties' facilities at an annual cost of more than $8 million.
Beginning in the first year of operation, 2021, the new center is expected to save taxpayers more than $5 million annually after debt service is factored in, said the statement.
"After a careful and prudent evaluation of our criminal justice needs, we are presenting a comprehensive proposal for the design and construction of a Dutchess County Justice & Transition Center that enhances public safety and will be less costly for our taxpayers than our current facility," said Molinaro.
The Dutchess County Justice & Transition Center will be built at the site of the current Dutchess County Jail facility.
The new center will be a total of 297,000 square feet and have up to 569 beds.
The County Legislature will vote on the new center bond authorization at a special board meeting scheduled for March 21.
Visit the county's website here for a complete public meeting schedule and more information.
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