FINLEY, N.D. - A proposed regional jail that would serve seven counties and the city of Valley City, N.D., is on hold.
The project, once envisioned to hold 80 prisoners, is being trimmed to a 38-bed facility. Members of a consortium that is pursuing the idea are waiting for cost estimates for the smaller facility, which likely would be built in or near Valley City.
Seven counties - Barnes, Dickey, Griggs, LaMoure, Ransom, Sargent and Steele - plus the city of Valley City originally invested $75,000 in the project. That initial project has suffered several setbacks, according to Steele County Commissioner Keith Jacobson.
Last week, the Steele County Commission joined other counties in deciding not to commit anymore money toward the project until proponents present a clear plan, including what it would cost each participant, for the new facility.
