Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is directing a major portion of state funding toward jail construction projects across the Buckeye State, naming Stark County as a top beneficiary. The county will receive $7.5 million to advance work on its new correctional facility, as part of a broader $24 million round of state grants issued through the Ohio Jail Safety and Security Program.
The program, which DeWine helped push through the Ohio General Assembly in 2021, aims to improve jail conditions, reduce unsafe working environments, and help local governments shoulder the high cost of building or renovating facilities. Announcing the latest awards, the governor emphasized the financial pressures local communities face.
“Jails are expensive to build and expensive to keep up, so this program helps ease some of the financial burden at the local level,” DeWine said. He added that “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 county reported on social media last week that foundation work is underway for a new wing of its planned jail, a project officials say will help replace outdated infrastructure and expand capacity in response to growing demand. The funding injection is expected to speed up the construction timeline, bolster safety standards, and reduce the risk of overcrowding.
County leaders have been anticipating state assistance for more than a year as they weigh construction costs amid fluctuating material prices and labor shortages. The new facility will include modern security systems, updated medical intake space, and improved classification areas for inmates considered vulnerable.
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Of the $24 million awarded, three counties will immediately receive funds:
CountyAllocationPurposeMontgomery County$13MOngoing renovation of its jail facilityStark County$7.5MFinal construction stages for a new jailClark County~$4MLand acquisition & design work for a future jail
In addition, the state will reserve $5 million for future projects, ensuring that more counties can apply as planning needs evolve.
Local leaders say outdated jails remain one of the least-funded infrastructure assets in public safety. Growing inmate populations, deteriorating facilities, and rising maintenance costs have pushed many counties to pursue new construction rather than continued patch jobs.
State officials argue that safer jails not only protect staff but also reduce liability, improve inmate health conditions, and minimize violent incidents. DeWine’s administration expects future funding to prioritize counties that can demonstrate emergency need or reform-based design plans.
Originally reported by WKYC.
