Cleveland County broke ground recently on a $12 million renovation and addition project for the Alan J. Couch Juvenile Detention Center. The investment will result in 12,500 square feet of detention and primary educational space.

Funded primarily by public safety sales tax money approved by county voters, the project will add educational and program space and improve general detention facilities to enhance safety for detainees and staff, according to a news release.

“Today, we took the first step in fulfilling our promise to the people we serve and to those who will live and work in this facility,” County Commissioner Harold Haralson said.

The 26-bed facility will have two more beds with the addition of two ADA compliant rooms. Additionally, two mental health safe spaces will be added to accommodate detainees experiencing a mental health crisis.

“Space for education, mental health, substance abuse and other programming is key if we want these youth to turn their lives around," County Commissioner Darry Stacy said. "This state-of-the-art facility will allow educators from Norman Public Schools, the dedicated detention officers and our judicial services to come together and provide opportunities and solutions for these young lives."

GE Johnson Construction Co. coordinated with county leadership and detention center staff from Community Works on the project. The Alan J. Couch Juvenile Detention Center, also known as the Cleveland County Regional Juvenile Detention Center, has not had significant renovations since it was built in 1991.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Cleveland County breaks ground on juvenile justice center