By Pat Culverhouse |
Webster Parish Police Jury members approved three change orders for the new women’s prison, a signal that completion of the $5-plus million project is drawing near.
Jury members were told the orders included installation of HVAC backdraft dampers ($8,557.13), installation of carbon monoxide sensors by order of the state Fire Marshal ($5,086.40) and a programmable thermostat with remote sensors in the day room ($1,946.37). Total of the change orders is $15,589.90.
Parish Engineer Brad Graff said he believed the small projects could be completed within two to three weeks.
“The building is substantially complete, and once these are finished we can turn the keys of the facility over to the Sheriff,” he said.
Sheriff Jason Parker said a few minor details will be addressed once he has the keys.
“There are some small things we need to do to be ready for prisoners, but I believe we will be moving into the facility by the end of the year,” he said.
Construction began on the prison last year on parish-owned property on Penal Farm Rd., near the site of the old parish penal farm.
Two sources provided funds for the project: $2.5 million came from money awarded the police jury under the American Rescue Act of 2021 (ARA) and $2.4 million was being given to the jury by the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office.
During the jury’s road committee meeting, members agreed to accept Spencer Lane, currently a private road, into the parish road system. Members were told such action was permitted, by request, if two or more residences were located on the road.
Also during Wednesday’s meeting, the jury:
- Approved the appointment of Dennis Myles and the reappointment of Ty Pendergrass to the Webster Parish Convention & Visitors Commission board of directors.
- Agreed to take action to consider LED notices of noncompliance in the E.I. Williams, LLC Industrial Tax Exemption Program contract for project years 2023 and 2024.
- Agreed to extend the parish burn ban for another 30 days, beginning Nov. 17, on recommendation by the Webster Parish Fire Chief’s Association.
• Accepted reports from the various parish agencies.