(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Director Annette Chambers-Smith announced today that nearly $51 million in grant funding is now available to support construction, renovation, and other infrastructure improvements at Ohio’s county jails.
Governor DeWine worked in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly to secure the new funding for the Ohio Jail Safety and Security Program in the current capital budget.
“Our continued investment in Ohio’s local jails is a public safety investment that benefits everyone involved,” said Governor DeWine. “This funding will go a long way toward creating safer and more secure jails for Ohio’s communities.”
This is the second round of funding offered as part of the program. Last year, Governor DeWine awarded $45 million to six local jails for major construction projects, and this month, he awarded an additional $5 million for smaller-scale projects at six other local jails.
A primary goal of the Ohio Jail Safety and Security Program is to support local efforts to reduce recidivism by creating incarceration environments that influence positive change. Renovations and new construction that meet the demands of the modern criminal justice system will help jail staff better address underlying issues that may be causing inmates’ criminal behavior, such as mental health or substance use concerns.
County and multi-county jails are eligible for funding, and projects must be consistent with the Office of Budget and Management’s Allowable Capital Expenditures Guidelines.
The application period for this new round of capital funding is open until November 30, 2022. Instructions and other related information about the application process can be found on the Ohio Grants Partnership website.