Judge Dale Freeman informed the Quorum Court Monday night at the regular meeting that a choice is expected to made this week by Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Freeman went on to say that he has been speaking to State Rep. James Ratliff and the selection process was beginning on Tuesday and expected to be completed this week.
Freeman dissolved the former jail committee and stated that once the choice was made there were several other steps before construction on the much needed facility. Freeman said his office was handling all the formal paperwork from this point on. He went on to say that a design and plans were already chosen and he hopes the state will approve them.
Judge Freeman went on to say that Lawrence County has a very good chance at this project and considered the front runner. Freeman said this facility will replace the outdated current jail which according to the state is in violation of current jail standards. Freeman also continued by saying the new facility would be much larger and create several new jobs at the facility.
We will continue to update this as more information develops.