COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution on Tuesday which supports the county’s efforts to pursue a state grant of up to $200,000 that would help with the cost of demolishing the old Branch County Jail.
Branch County Administrator Bud Norman says they have to apply for the grant by January 31 and they will find out if they will get the funds by the end of March. The State of Michigan is offering over $21 million to communities across the state to address vacant and abandoned properties.
The resolution states the county is behind the tearing down of the old jail and even if the grant is awarded, the demolition will be finished by the county using county funds. Norman said if everything goes as planned, the demolition of the old jail can take place within the next year. The new Branch County Jail began housing inmates in December of 2021 marking the first time since the early 90s that inmates had not been housed in what was once a senior care facility.
The new jail was made possible after a 20-year, 1.25 mill proposal was approved by Branch County voters in August 2018.
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