Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Director Annette Chambers-Smith have announced a major new investment aimed at improving jail facilities across the state. A total of $50 million in state funding will be distributed to support construction and renovation projects at 19 local jails through the Ohio Jail Safety and Security Program.
The initiative, launched in 2021 by Governor DeWine in collaboration with the Ohio General Assembly, was created to help counties repair or replace jails that are functionally outdated or structurally deteriorating. This most recent round of funding continues Ohio’s commitment to ensuring that local detention facilities can meet the needs of both incarcerated individuals and staff members.
Improving Facilities and Reentry Preparation
“This funding will not only support safer environments for those living and working in our local jails, but it will also help prepare inmates for release by creating improved spaces for workforce development, educational opportunities, and other programming,” said Governor DeWine.
Of the 19 counties receiving assistance:
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Seven counties will use the funding to build new jails, expand existing facilities, or launch large-scale renovations.
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Eleven counties will focus on smaller upgrades, including structural repairs and enhanced security measures.
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One county will receive funding for a needs assessment or feasibility study to plan for future changes.
Director Chambers-Smith emphasized the broader impact of these improvements: “This funding will provide more safety and security in facilities and more space for programming, which will improve conditions for both staff and incarcerated people. We are helping these jails provide what they need to better meet the demands of the criminal justice system in their county and prepare the incarcerated population for release back into their communities.”
A Statewide Effort to Modernize Correctional Infrastructure
This investment is part of a larger effort funded through the state’s current capital budget. With this latest allocation, the state has now awarded over $228 million in grants to 50 different jail projects, reaching more than 50 counties across Ohio since the program’s inception.
The Ohio Jail Safety and Security Grant Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s Bureau of Adult Detention, which works closely with local governments to identify needs and distribute funding accordingly.
This effort underscores the state’s dedication to not only improving safety conditions in correctional settings but also to investing in environments that support rehabilitation and successful reentry into society.
