Public Meetings Called For To Discuss Jail Options

The concept for a new jail in Houghton County is ready and now they have to find out how much it will cost.

An update on the progress of the jail was given to the County Board of Commissioners by Project Architect Karin Cooper of UP Engineers & Architects at their regular meeting Tuesday.

Cooper explained they have brought in a contractor to help determine the cost of the project.  She said they plan on having an estimate for the board by their April meeting.  The board will have to act quickly because they will need to approve the project by May if they want to get a proposal before voters in November.  Plans would have to be approved by the state as well.

Members of the Copper Country League of Women Voters were at the meeting a laid out their plans for a series of public meetings to give people an opportunity to voice their views on the jail and what they describe as the “aging and cramped courthouse”.

The first of three meetings will be held in the Laird Township Hall at 5:30pm during the week of March 26th–with the exact date to be determined.

The following two meetings will be held at Hancock High School on Tuesday, April 3rd at 7pm and Thursday, April 5th at Calumet High School at 5:30pm.

You can find more on the issues surrounding the jail/courthouse on the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country’s website.