By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Less than a week after saying a decision on where to build a new state prison facility was put on hold, officials announced they have narrowed their search to three sites, including Grand Mound.
Properties pitched by Winlock, Morton and Castle Rock didn’t make the cut.
The state Department of Corrections hopes to construct what they call a reception center in Western Washington – with some 1000 beds.
It’s the place offenders go first, to be evaluated for physical, mental health, security and other needs and to determine the particular prison where they will serve their time, according to DOC.
The other locations which will move forward in the selection process are in Mason County near Shelton and Kitsap County near Belfair, according to a news release this morning from DOC.
The next step is conducting Environmental Impact Statement assessments, which will include cost analysis’s.
The property in Grand Mound is where Maple Lane School is, a state juvenile detention center slated for closure.
The Department anticipates having a preferred site identified by December.
The state legislature has approved funding to find a location and for pre-design costs but have not yet approved funds to build the new facility, according to DOC.
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The Olympian writes further about the potential sites, here
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter