By Pat Culverhouse
Construction on the new $5-plus million women’s prison, located on parish-owned property off Penal Farm Rd. at the old penal farm site, is proceeding but Webster Parish Police Jury members learned the pace has slowed.
During committee meetings Tuesday, jury members were told work was continuing on the interior, but the contractor (Testament Construction Services of Shreveport) must await the delivery of pre-fabricated cells.
Those cells, which are being built by an Alabama company, are expected to arrive before the end of December. If the cells arrive as anticipated, officials believe the project could be completed by the end of spring or early summer, 2026. A July deadline reportedly is set for completion of the project.
When completed, the new facility will house up to 66 female prisoners. Those prisoners are currently housed on the fourth floor of the Webster Parish courthouse.
A majority of the funds for construction of the facility comes from two sources: approximately $2.5 million from money awarded the police jury under the American Rescue Act of 2021, and $2.4 million given to the jury by the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Parish officials have said closing the courthouse jail will help solve a bevy of difficulties including water drainage into offices and courtrooms downstairs, electrical, plus heating and cooling problems.
During Tuesday’s meeting, jury members also:
• Approved the 2026 proposed budget after a public hearing presented no opposition.
• Agreed to abandon 1,625 feet of Big Oak Rd., located off Brunson Rd. in south Webster Parish following a public hearing where no opposition from the public was voiced.
• Approved appointment of Melinda Davidson as Director of Webster Parish Office of Community Services for the year 2026, and authorized her to sign documents for the organization.
• Reappointed Brian Williams Chairman of the Pine Country Education District for term through Dec. 31, 2027; appointed Ken Ward to the District for term through Dec. 31, 2027.
• Reappointed Dr. Grady Smith and Dr. Shannon Spinner to four year terms on the Webster Parish Communications District. Terms to run through Dec. 31, 2029.
• Reappointed Gary Greene to two-year term on Webster Parish Fire District #7 board.
• Approved compliance for year 2026 with Assurance of Flood Control Act per State Treasurer’s Office per ACT 362 of the state legislature.
• Approved canvass of returns and declared results of Nov. 15 special election for Road Dist. A (passed) and Road Dist. B (passed) and authorized renewal of special taxes therein.
• Received reports from the various parish agencies and officials.