ATLANTA — Fulton County leaders are working to address deteriorating conditions at the county jail following the deaths of several inmates and the launch of a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into the facility.
11Alive viewer Tyrone Simms asked if money from the U.S. Economic Development Administration—meant to fund the rebuilding and repair of the Fulton County Rice Street Jail—was instead being used to build a large prison in Davisbroro in Washington County, Georgia.
THE QUESTION
Is money meant to improve Fulton County Jail conditions being used for another corrections project in Georgia?
THE ANSWER
No, money to improve the Fulton County Jail is not being used for another corrections project in Georgia.
THE SOURCES
WHAT WE FOUND
The U.S. Economic Development Administration said it has not provided any funding to support improvements at the Fulton County Jail.
According to the Georgia Department of Corrections, while a new prison is being built in Davisboro, Georgia, in Washington County, it's all funded by state money.
The governor’s most recent budget shows the state set aside $436.9 million for the project.
It's set to be built right behind the already-established Washington State Prison, which it will eventually replace.
It's expected to have state-of-the-art technology and security measures in the new 1,500-bed prison -- which currently houses medium security inmates. The project will take three to five years to complete.
As for the fate of Fulton County's Rice Street Jail -- that's still unclear.
Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labatt has repeatedly said that a new facility is needed.
Some county commissioners have voiced concern about leaving taxpayers footing the bill to fix or rebuild the jail.
Commissioners recently floated the idea of a new hospital, which they think might gain more support from the residents.