By Tania E. Lopez
Indianapolis Star-Tribune
INDIANAPOLIS — Winter weather conditions have caused construction delays at the Hamilton County Jail Complex, but they’re not expected to last long enough to cost taxpayers more money.
John Barbee, project manager for Envoy, told the Hamilton County Commissioners on Monday that construction on both the north and south jail expansions is behind schedule by two weeks.
The north expansion is scheduled for completion in October. The south addition will be complete by October 2009.
Barbee said winter weather has interrupted construction progress.
The National Weather Service reported Tuesday Hamilton County has received 13.9 inches of snow since December. More snow fell earlier in December, said meteorologist Logan Johnson, making the season seem longer.
As the weather breaks, crews working on the jail complex will continue its $43 million facelift that will provide more space, a new community corrections building and additional classroom space to provide programs for adults.
Construction on the Hamilton County Community Corrections building is on schedule, Barbee said. The new facility, set to open in July 2009, will allow more room to house inmates convicted of nonviolent felonies.
Barbee said the new support services building is behind schedule by 10 weeks due to a manufacturing delay.
The 12,520-square-foot building is expected to be completed next month. The $1.7-million pre-fabricated building will be used for maintenance storage, sheriff’s vehicles maintenance, classrooms and workout rooms for deputies.
MacDougal Pierce, the construction company in charge of the support services building, would pay for any costs associated with the delay, said Barbee.
Call Star reporter Tania E. Lopez at (317) 444-5528.
Copyright 2008 Indianapolis Star-Tribune