COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The long awaited work on the new Branch County Jail has gotten underway as earthwork is being performed at the site.
County Administrator Bud Norman told the Branch County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday that the work began late last week.
The original time line called for four to six weeks of moving earth but Norman said it looks like crews were moving faster than expected.
The State of Michigan recently determined construction on the new jail was essential and that the local health department had no issues after they were consulted.
Norman said workers won’t have any close contact for another six to eight weeks. The only workers on the site right now are two supervisors who are working out of their trucks and two equipment operators.
In other business during a brief electronic meeting, the Commissioners formally approved keeping the Branch County Courthouse and county offices closed to the public through the end of the month after Governor Whitmer extended her “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order through April 30. President Trump has also recommended social distancing continue through April. Essential services employees would still report to work.
