COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – It’s been talked about for years and on the afternoon of October 22, 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 was State Senator Mike Shirkey who called the jail a testament to the community.
State Representative Andrew Fink said it was a fundamental responsibility of government to have public safety.
Branch County Board of Commissioners Chair Randall Hazelbaker pointed out there were a lot of obstacles to overcome after construction started in the spring of 2020.
After a few final touch ups were made to the building, inmates were moved into the new jail a couple of weeks ago. It was the first time since 1993 Branch County Jail inmates had not been housed in a building that was used at one time as a nursing home.
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