INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Dec. 12, 2012)— Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard announced a Paris-based vendor as the developer for a new criminal justice facility. The mayor said three developers bid on the project, and after thorough review, city leaders selected WMB Heartland Justice Partners, who will privately fund, design build and operate the new Marion County Justice Complex. “After decades of study, Marion County is finally ready to take a big step toward improving public safety through building a modern, efficient justice complex,” said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. “This new facility will save taxpayers money, improve neighborhood development, and ensure we have the necessary space to safely house violent arrestees. It further allows us to administer the programs and services to help lower level criminals successfully transition to becoming productive members of society.” The mayor said the Marion County Justice Center will solve “so many problems,” citing issues at the current jail, including outdated infrastructure and overcrowding. “Marion County needs a new jail. I am grateful for the partnership of all the stakeholders to help move this important project forward,” said Marion County Sheriff John Layton. “It will benefit Marion County residents for generations to come.” The $408-million project will be under a 35-year contract. Some of the new features will include 37 criminal courts/hearing rooms, a 3,000-bed detention facility, offices for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and on-site medical and mental health facilities. “Our judges feel excited by the prospect of a safe, efficient facility to protect and serve our community for many years to come,” said Marion Superior Court Presiding Judge David Certo. “We look forward to contributing to the critical discussions that will transform this project from proposal to completion.” City leaders said the new center will significantly reduce the sheriff’s costs for transporting arrestees among multiple detention and court buildings and save taxpayers’ dollars through the use of centralized security, food preparation, medical, laundry, maintenance and other shared services. The new facility will not require an increase in taxes.
Posted on: Sat, 13 Dec 2014 15:53:13 +0000
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