COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – It’s been talked about for years in Branch County and Friday afternoon it became a reality.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the new Branch County Jail almost two years after ground was broken.
The construction of the new jail was made possible after a 20-year, 1.25 mill proposal was approved by Branch County voters in August 2018. Two previous attempts to pass a new jail millage failed in 2006 and 2016.
Among those on hand Friday were State Senator Mike Shirkey and State Representative Andrew Fink.
Branch County Board of Commissioners Chair Randall Hazelbaker pointed out there were a lot of obstacles to overcome during the COVID-19 pandemic after construction started in the spring of 2020.
Branch County Sheriff John Pollack said public tours of the jail will be available starting on November 4.
Tours can be scheduled by calling the Sheriff’s Office at (517) 278-2325.
Training will have to take place and some equipment will still have to be installed before the inmates can be moved into the new jail. If everything works out, it is hoped that will take place sometime before Christmas. Once everything is in place in the new facility, the process of demolishing the old jail will begin.
