Pieces coming together for Pueblo County's historic $200 million jail project
Pueblo County commissioners on Tuesday got the ball rolling on what will be the largest capital construction project in county history — a nearly $200 million project to fund a new county jail and roadway connecting Pueblo West to Pueblo.
The board approved a resolution transferring 70 acres for the project from Comanche Corp. to Pueblo County. The land transfer is scheduled to close June 29.
As county officials prepare to develop the land needed for a the detention center and the extension of Joe Martinez Boulevard between Purcell to Pueblo Boulevard, the next step will be to annex the land into the city of Pueblo, said Commission Chair Garrison Ortiz.
“This contract ensures the county can issue its certificates of participation for this project,” Ortiz said. “It is also a sterling example of what a public/private partnership can bring to a community,” and will help establish an urban renewal area to the west of Pueblo.
The county will pay to bring utilities and infrastructure to the site for the new jail and in turn, make those amenities accessible to private developers to encourage development in the area.
“The amount of donated land may not be significant in the grand scheme of almost $200 million worth of capital projects, but more important is that this willing owner of the land is enabling us to deal with the right-of-way for the boulevard construction and secure the ideal piece of land for construction of the jail,” Ortiz said.
The resolution passed on a 2-0 vote. Commissioner Chris Wiseman was absent.
Pueblo County news: Pueblo's jail project will provide significant economic benefits, commissioner says
The board also approved a resolution to contract with JE Dunn Construction Co. of Colorado Springs to oversee the jail construction.
Dave Zupan, jail construction manager for the county, said the design of the new jail is underway. He said a selection team recommended JE Dunn to oversee the build.
Ortiz said the company’s status as a union-preferred contractor is appreciated by the board.
“As a lifelong union member, I am proud that our selection of JE Dunn, who is a preferred union contractor, solidifies that Pueblo County’s largest capital construction project in its history, will be done with union labor,” said Eppie Griego, commissioner. "Coming into office I have been a strong advocate of good-paying union jobs and tapping into our local workforce whenever possible.
“Puebloans who want to work will receive a fair wage, which enables workers to support their families and spend money locally. The overall level of economic activity is increased and that is significant for Pueblo County, our community and our local workforce,” Griego said.
The county will be “going to market with $125 million worth of certificates of participation,” to help fund the project, Ortiz said, pointing out he is “excited to see how we perform in the markets in the next couple of weeks.”
The bonds for the boulevard extension will be paid off with property tax funds generated by the 1A ballot initiative approved by Pueblo voters in 2016. The county also is able to use revenue from the 2019 marijuana sales tax increase which went from 3.5% to 6%.
The county also recently passed a Responsible Contracting Policy that requires all county capital construction projects of $2 million or more be done with a majority of subcontractors participating in apprenticeship programs certified with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Pueblo County Undersheriff David Lucero said the new jail, which is replacing the current 40-year-old lockup, is “much needed."
"I think the community sees we need this," Lucero said. "It will increase safety for our staff and those who are incarcerated.”
More project news: 'Economic catalyst' road linking Pueblo and Pueblo West needs a name
Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via Twitter at twitter.com/tracywumps.
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo County jail part of nearly $200 million construction project
