Demolition begins on Bibb County jail improvement project in Macon
Leaders say this first phase will make way for a new parking lot, creating space for future expansion tied to the jail.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The demolition of the James F. Higgins Memorial Building marks the beginning of phase one of Macon Bibb County’s jail improvement project.
Leaders say this first phase will make way for a new parking lot, creating space for future expansion tied to the jail.
Mayor Lester Miller says the work is part of a larger vision for the facility.
“We are here for phase one a part of a larger vision, eventually we will move on inside the jail itself to make some drastic improvements inside there, and then we will be doing some new construction outside the jail where the other parking lot is right now,” said Miller.
The overall project will include upgrades to the existing jail and new maximum security housing pods, adding up to 150 beds.
Bibb County Sheriff David Davis says the improvements are designed to help manage inmate populations and better serve those with mental health needs.
“The jail expansion once it’s complete as well as some of the renovations inside the jail will help us better serve special populations in the jail the mentally ill, mental health patients, as well as physically ill patients, as well as those individuals that want to be disruptive,” said Davis.
The full project is expected to cost between 28.5 and 31 million dollars, with additional phases set to move forward after this first step is complete.
