A ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the long-awaited $24.5 million Washington County Justice Center commenced Thursday afternoon.
Members of the public, Washington County Board of Supervisors and law enforcement officers were invited to listen to guest speakers and have a chance to tour the building.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Steve Dethlefs hosted the program, with several officials speaking on the project, including Gov. Pete Ricketts, who served as the keynote speaker.
Capt. Rob Bellamy, jail administrator, gave an overview of the project.
"For years, county officials have discussed the concerns regarding the jail overcrowding in Washington County," he said. "We are about to realize what nine years of planning, three years of construction and countless hours in pursuit of a dream will offer: a better and safer jail."
In an interview with the Enterprise, Ricketts said the new jail facility is an important addition to the county, and to the state of Nebraska.
"I think what it says is the citizens of Washington County are supporting law enforcement, that they understand the need to protect the public safety and that the county leaders here have done a good job communicating how this will actually help save taxpayers' money in the long run and make the facility more secure," he said.
"Because of the two-way video (inside the cells), they're going to actually allow the inmates here to have better contact with their families. That's a step that helps the folks who are incarcerated be able to get re-integrated back into society."
A public tour of the facility will be held Saturday beginning at 10 a.m.
Read more about the ribbon cutting and tours in Tuesday's Pilot-Tribune.
