On Tuesday, the Macon-Bibb County Commission approved $1,244,030 for Phase I of the jail expansion project, which will be funded with voter-approved 2018 and 2025 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds.

The first phase will include demolishing the James F. Higgins Memorial Complex and replacing it with an updated parking lot.

Later phases of the project will focus on upgrades to the existing jail and the addition of new maximum-security housing pods. Once complete, the expansion is expected to add up to 150 beds, including 96 maximum-security beds and 24 beds designed for inmates experiencing mental health challenges.

“This is about making sure we have the facilities and resources to keep our community safe while also addressing the needs within our system,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “We’re taking a thoughtful, phased approach so we can make improvements that will serve Macon-Bibb for years to come.”

“This funding represents the first significant step towards bringing much needed and much anticipated upgrades to the current jail,” said Sheriff David Davis. “As we move through this project we pledge to make the jail a safer and more efficient facility for staff and inmates.”

The full project is estimated to cost between $28.5 million and $31 million and is aimed at improving safety, capacity, and overall operations at the Law Enforcement Center.