Kane jail could help stimulate economy

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jan 2, 2007

KANAB (AP) -- A new jail would give Kane County more beds and perhaps help the economy on the Utah-Arizona border.

Officials are looking at ways to replace the 22-bed jail on Main Street, which is too crowded and doesn't have enough space for women.

A large closet has been converted into a cell, and an area for drunks doubles as storage. Meals are made at the local hospital.

A new jail with up to 184 beds could cost $8 million to $13 million.

"No one wants to bite off a project like this and take on all the increased management responsibilities, but we have to do what's best," county Commissioner Mark Habbeshaw said.

Beaver County added infrastructure for a small industrial park when it built a justice center. Habbeshaw said Kane County could consider something similar.

A new jail "could stimulate economic growth and more business opportunity," he said.