COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Administrator Bud Norman reported to the Board of Commissioners during their Thursday work session that an application for a state grant to help fund the demolition of the old county jail has been received by officials in Lansing.
The Commissioners passed a resolution during their last meeting which supports the county’s efforts to pursue a state grant of up to $200,000.
Norman indicated it maybe a couple of months before they get word on whether or not the grant was approved.
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 its own funds.
If everything goes as planned, the demolition of the old jail can take place either late this year or early in 2024.
The new Branch County Jail began housing inmates in December of 2021.
I thought the original plan/timeline was for the building to be torn down last fall or this spring. I wonder if there is a problem with budgeting for this. The Administrator and council knew this was to be done four years ago when the millage was passed.