Ohio is directing more than $24 million toward major construction and renovation efforts at jails across the state, marking the latest round of support through the Ohio Jail Safety and Security Program. Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Director Annette Chambers-Smith announced the funding, emphasizing its importance for modernizing correctional infrastructure and strengthening local safety networks.
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Since its launch in 2021, the program has funneled more than $230 million into nearly 70 projects statewide — a mix of new construction, renovations, and critical security improvements. The latest grants continue the state’s strategy of helping counties update outdated facilities and create safer environments for staff and inmates.
“Jails are expensive to build and expensive to keep up, so this program helps ease some of the financial burden at the local level,” said Governor DeWine. “This program has already made a major impact at jails across the state by helping create safer environments for those working and residing at these facilities.”
The newly awarded funds include:
The Montgomery County project is transforming 226 general population beds into a dedicated behavioral health and medical wing. When completed, medical bed capacity will rise from 12 to 112 — a nearly tenfold increase — positioning the county to provide more specialized care. The $20 million project has been funded through the American Rescue Plan and opioid settlement funds, with the state’s new grant supporting mechanical and infrastructure upgrades.
Construction began in October and is expected to wrap in mid-2027. The project team includes Levin Porter Architects, HDR, Granger, HEAPY, and Shell + Meyers Associates.
Stark County is moving forward with a new 312-bed pod-style unit, designed with 144 beds dedicated to mental health treatment. The facility, which broke ground in August, is estimated to cost $75 million, supported in part by $35 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding. HOK and K2M Design are leading the architectural work, and the Granger-Welty joint venture is serving as construction manager.
Clark County is in the early stages of replacing its nearly 50-year-old jail with a modern 454-bed facility, expected to cost between $100 million and $125 million. Although voters recently rejected a sales-tax measure to help fund the project, the state’s $4 million grant will allow the county to continue planning and land acquisition. The proposal stems from a 2023 study by DLZ Architects.
In addition to these allocations, the state will direct another $5 million toward additional security and safety improvements as needs arise.
“Security is the foundation on which rehabilitation is possible,” said Director Annette Chambers-Smith. “If we can ensure these jails have their basic needs addressed, they will be able to better change the lives of the people in their care.”
The Ohio Jail Safety and Security Program—administered by the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s Bureau of Adult Detention—has become a key driver in replacing aging facilities, reducing safety risks, and enhancing mental and medical care capacity within county jails. With more than two dozen new or renovated facilities funded since 2021, the state continues to pursue long-term solutions that balance security, rehabilitation, and operational sustainability.
Originally reported by Charlie Lange in Correctional News.
