JSIP Open House: As final decisions are wrapping up; Benton County will be hosting an open house on Feb. 8 for community members interested in getting a full status update on the Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP). The program envisions building a fully new slate of local law enforcement facilities on one centralized campus.
In a release from the county, elected officials, subject matter experts, and staff will be available to share plans for the new Jail, Mental Health Crisis Center, Courthouse, and District Attorney’s office and provide information about proposed safety, mental health, and homelessness services facilities to be included in the project. The event will include information about the design plans for each of the facilities.
Total costs for the project are anticipated to run between $160 and $190 million – county officials have already borrowed $33 million, and they are also anticipating state and federal grants. However, most of the funding will need voter approval, and a bond measure is planned for this May 16.
The total unfunded cost of the facilities is $114 million and staff presented several bond cost scenarios to the Benton County Board of Commissioners ranging from $100 million up to the full $114 million.
Commissioners unanimously agreed to set the bond amount for the project at $110 million to go before the voters.
The open house is scheduled for Feb. 8 from 6-8 p.m. at the Benton County Kalapuya Building. Questions or RSVPs are asked to be sent to PIOinfo@co.benton.or.us
CIVIC Open House: The City of Corvallis is also hosting an open house to give community members an update on the Civic Campus and Administrative Building on Jan. 31.
At the January 17, City Council meeting, City Manager Mark Shepard gave the council an update on the citywide facilities project which identified three projects for city staff to focus efforts on following a facility need assessment.
- Construct a new Parks Maintenance yard
- Remodel City Hall and construct a new Administration building (Civic campus)
- Remodel a portion of Fire Station #1
Architects will be at the open house to give information and an update on the next phase of the citywide facilities project. It is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Jan. 31 at the Library Main Meeting Room, 645 NW Monroe Ave. Read the full strategy on the city website at www.corvallisoregon.gov/FNA
By: Jennifer Williams
