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March 30, 2009
MT: Stimulus funds to build juvenile jail
"Freudenthal recently toured the existing juvenile facility. He said in a news conference Friday that using stimulus funding to build a juvenile center would be justified because it's a clearly identifiable need and would put people to work."
Published on Monday, March 30, 2009.
Stimulus funds could go to juvenile center
By Gazette News Services
CASPER - Gov. Dave Freudenthal says it might be possible to use federal economic stimulus funding to build a new juvenile detention center in Casper.
Casper's existing juvenile facility has been criticized for lacking natural light and because youths aren't able to go outside for exercise. Also, several violent crimes have occurred there.
The Natrona County Commission has saved about $3 million for a new facility. Estimates put the cost of such a building at more than $13 million. Freudenthal recently toured the existing juvenile facility. He said in a news conference Friday that using stimulus funding to build a juvenile center would be justified because it's a clearly identifiable need and would put people to work.
He said the stimulus funding would come from a governor's discretionary fund for state and local government stabilization funds. Wyoming's share would be about $15.5 million, he said.
"I think people want to see something done with regards to these questions of a juvenile treatment and detention facility. So we'll take a run at it," Freudenthal said.
Natrona County Commissioner Rob Hendry said Freudenthal apparently was impressed by concerns about the juvenile detention center and asked about the county's commitment. "Freudenthal's main question was, 'Is it shovel ready?"' Hendry said. Hendry said the county could begin earthwork near the existing adult jail this summer and probably begin some foundation work.
Story available at http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2009/03/30/news/wyoming/64-stimulus.txt
Posted by lois at March 30, 2009 02:34 PM