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October 21, 2014Claudet seeks 2 percent pay raise for TPCG staffers
October 21, 2014
Plans for a new juvenile detention center are taking a big step forward in Terrebonne Parish, with the filing of a construction permit and release of an artist’s conception of the new structure the proof of progress.
The estimated construction cost for the center, to be located on La. Highway 311 near U.S. Highway 90, is $9.6 million, said Doug Bourg, administrative assistant to Parish President Michel Claudet.
“The pre-construction meeting was held Sept. 17,” Bourg said. “The notice to proceed was issued the same day.”
Thompson Construction Company, which is contracted to build the project, filed for their permit last month, parish records confirm, with Bourg noting that the contract is to last a total of 365 days. The architect is the Duplantis Design Group.
Total detainee population is expected to be 32 maximum at any one time, with four dayrooms capable of holding eight youngsters each. Juvenile detainees are those under the age of 17, and their offenses can range from truancy or simple misdemeanors to more serious crimes.
The current detention center, located on Grand Caillou Road next door to the Terrebonne Parish jail, will be transformed into a separate women’s jail, due to an increase over the years in the number of female prisoners held by the parish.
Cost for the center will be taken out of an estimated $130 million in federal aid awarded to the parish as a result of hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which occurred in 2009.
The center is intended to provide short-term, secure custody for children waiting court action or transfer to a state facility.
The current facility is often referred to by some in the criminal justice system as “Baby Ashland,” due to its proximity to the parish jail. The new location is well removed from there, in a location officials say is less susceptible to flooding and other weather-related issues.
Construction on a $9.6 million juvenile detention center on La. Highway 311 near U.S. Highway 90 is underway.
