Lancaster County officials ceremoniously turned the first shovels of dirt, marking the start of construction on a new $90 million detention center designed to nearly triple the current jail's inmate capacity. The current facility, built in the 1970s, has long been outstripped by the local population's needs, often crowding nearly 200 inmates into a space meant for 121. WCNC reports that after yesterday's groundbreaking, construction is poised to begin at 1604 Pageland Hwy, with completion projected between August 2026 and early 2027.
This expansion, which has been a discussion point for over six years, will help to finally bring the jail into compliance, allowing for better classification and separation of inmates. "This will give us an opportunity to come in compliance, number one, to classify and separate inmates like they need to be, and provide a safe work environment for staff," Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile was quoted saying in a piece by WCNC. Moreover, the new 125,000-square-foot facility will be strategically positioned to allow for potential future expansions close to the sheriff's office.
The funding for the detention center stems partly from a 2020 capital project sales tax initiative approved by Lancaster County residents. Though the bulk of the financing comes from this 1% sales tax, federal funds are also earmarked for the addition of a new evidence lab. As part of the larger project, a new coroner's office will be established as well, WBTV detailed.
In addition to housing 329 inmates, the new detention center aims to incorporate advanced safety technology to protect both the staff and the inmate population. It will also be designed to accommodate functions of the magistrates’ court, according to WBTV.
Sheriff Faile underscored the importance of this development, noting that the facility is not just about expanding capacity, but also "to accommodate the staff, have a safe work environment for them and be able to accommodate more inmates," as "the folks out here causing problems on the streets." reported by QCNews.
