Broome County Jail Expansion Approved

Broome County’s jail complex is about to be expanded.

The Broome County Legislature has approved $5.7 million in borrowing to expand the county correctional facility.

The jail in the Town of Dickinson has suffered from serious overcrowding for years.  The improvements would bring the county into compliance with the state Commission of Correction mandates.

Under the expansion blueprint, the gymnasium would be converted into housing. Up to 48 inmates could go into the new dorm.

Medical facilities at the correctional facility are also to be improved with the construction of a $4 million medical facility housing 16 beds.

The county used to make money housing inmates from other regions.  Once room ran out, Broome ended up having to spend the money to ship its overflow inmates to other correctional facilities.

Broome Sheriff David Harder has said he hoped construction on the expansion project could begin next spring.