DUTCHESS COUNTY COMPTROLLER ROBIN LOIS RELEASES
L AND OPERATIONAL UPDATE ON THE COUNTY’S JUSTICE AND TRANSITION CENTER
Poughkeepsie, N.Y. – The Office of the Dutchess County Comptroller has released their special follow-up report regarding the Justice and Transition Center (JTC) capital project as of March 31, 2023. The JTC project is the largest in the County’s history, and the Comptroller’s Office has been diligently monitoring all transactions related to its construction and completion. As of March 31, 2023, $166 million has been spent or encumbered on all phases of the project, with a remaining $26 million available.
The Law Enforcement Center (LEC) was the first phase of this project and was completed and occupied in early 2019. Jail construction is in its second phase, with building completion expected in July 2023. As the Jail nears occupancy, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office’s Transition Team has provided details regarding policy implementation and the training of Jail staff.
A recent change in design has decreased the number of beds in the jail from 328 to 308 and pushed the occupancy back by four months. Inmates are expected to begin moving into the Jail between August and November 2023. Final move-in dates are contingent upon the NYS Commission of Corrections’ final approval.
The DPW Commissioner has requested $725,000 in American Rescue Funds for proposed development of the 1995 Jail building into a temporary homeless shelter. The Resolution is scheduled to be voted on by the Dutchess County Legislature in June 2023. If passed, the expected completion of the homeless shelter is May 2024, with a total cost yet to be determined.
“This project has always been a massive undertaking,” said Comptroller Lois. “While it has entered its final phases, there remains a sizable amount of money to be spent, and still more to be expected should the June Resolution for the homeless shelter be approved. The Comptroller’s Office is carefully following all changes and expenditures related to the JTC project and will continue to report to the taxpayers of Dutchess County.”
The report can be found in its entirety on the Comptroller’s website, here.
