Allen Parish To Break Ground On New Jail Thursday

OBERLIN, La. (AP) — Allen Parish will break ground Thursday for construction of an $8.3 million parish jail.

The groundbreaking will signal the beginning of construction of the two-story facility, which is expected to be completed in 10-14 months. Sheriff Doug Hebert III says a notice to proceed with construction is expected to be issued by Dec. 16.

Hebert tells the American Press (http://bit.ly/1bqHKlp) the new facility should also provide a cleaner, safer and sterile environment for the inmates.

Plans for the 36,000-square-foot facility include 136 general male population beds, 16 female beds, 24 lockdown cells and three isolation cells. The jail will house 150-176 inmates, compared with the 42 who are housed in the current facility.