Gaines County jail now under construction

SEMINOLE, GAINES COUNTY – The first phase of construction, which included the foundation and walls, of the new jail in Seminole is underway. Construction broke ground in August and is expected to be complete in July 2015.

Gaines County Commissioners approved the concept design of the proposed $8.1 million, 72-bunk jail facility, which will include office spaces for the Gaines County Sheriff’s Department and Gaines County Emergency Operations Center.

The 30,000-sf facility is being built east of the current facility, the 32-bed Gaines County Law Enforcement Center.

The facility will feature three separate housing areas, with 40 beds occupying the main inmate holding area, as well as 16 to 18 separate beds which would accommodate female housing.

Kitchen and laundry services for the facility would be able to accommodate up to 150 inmates without any renovations or structural changes if future expansion of the facility occurs.