Judge Gabbard Provides Update on Old Jail Project

I want to share what we have been able to get approved by the Federal Government concerning the Old Jail project. This project is funded by a Congressional Earmark. A congressional earmark is a legislative provision that directs a specific amount of money to a specific project, often benefiting a particular locality or interest. These earmarks are typically included in appropriations bills, allowing lawmakers to allocate funds for projects they support, sometimes with limited oversight or review. We have been waiting on an environmental review to be completed to get started. I have included the proposed timeline of the project to share with our citizens.

McKee Renovation of Old Jail
Grant Project Action Plan and Timeline
The renovation of the Old McKee Jail into a facility serving as a local business incubator is a complex project that must be conducted in phases. These phases must be staged such that the work flows smoothly with minimal issues. This document lists the general phases and aspects of the renovation, some of which can be done in parallel and some of which must be done in a specific order.
January 2026 Procurement initiated for architect
February 2026 Architect selected.
Jackson County officials and architect meet to begin discussions on design and construction requirements. Architect made aware of brownfield mitigation needs.
March 2026 Officials and architect continue design discussions, to include designs for courtyard.
April 2026 JC officials review and give approval for architectural design of building interior, building exterior, and courtyard.
May 2026 Procurement initiated for construction contractor, to include all three elements of the project: interior, exterior, and courtyard.
June 2026 Construction contractor selected and approved. JC officials, architect, and contractor(s) meet to discuss how to best approach the renovation.
Discussion includes the need to remove brownfield materials (asbestos, lead paint) identified in a Brownfields Phase II report.
July 2026 Work begins on exterior renovations.
Brownfields mitigation conducted in preparation for interior renovations.
August 2026 Exterior renovations continue.
Courtyard improvements begin.
September 2026 Exterior renovations continue.
Interior demolition in preparation for improvements begins.
October 2026 Interior demolition completed.
Installation of all new plumbing, electricity, and HVAC.
November/ Continued installation of new plumbing, electricity, and HVAC
December 2026
January 2027 Interior renovations continue.
February 2027 Interior renovations continue.
March 2027 Courtyard work begins.
Interior renovations continue.
April 2027 Final elements of interior renovations completed.
Courtyard work continues.
May 2027 Courtyard work completed.
June 2027 Building opens for public use.