Jail expansion in the works (Times Herald)

Jail expansion in the works

By NICHOLAS DESHAIS • Times Herald • May 31, 2008

The St. Clair County Board of Commissioners may act on expanding the jail this week, making room for about 50 more U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement prisoners at the Port Huron Township facility.

“Shortly after we opened, we were approached by ICE. They were seeking beds from us,” Major Tom Torrey, the jail’s superintendent said. “Due to our locality and state-of-the-art facility, they came a-calling.”

Currently, the jail has room for 423 inmates. With the expansion, which has been approved by the Michigan Department of Corrections, 48 additional beds will be installed in existing dormitory space.

Torrey estimated that the beds will cost the jail $30,000, but the county’s administrator, Shaun Groden, said the cost will be more than recouped.

“Even at 50% capacity, we’re making money,” Groden said.