Governor Ryan Breaks Ground for New Kankakee County Jail

KANKAKEE - Governor George H. Ryan today joined local officials to break ground on a new $25 million jail facility for Kankakee County.

"This project builds on the other Illinois FIRST programs we have made in this area, and overall it will make Kankakee County a better, safer place to live," Governor Ryan said. "It will be able to house approximately 320 inmates, making conditions safer for inmates, staff and the community."

The current jail facility, located in downtown Kankakee, was built 30 years ago. When built, it had a capacity of approximately 100 inmates, though over time it has housed more than twice that number. The current jail does not meet state or federal minimum requirements and has been cited by various corrections governing bodies for numerous violations.

More than $25 million in Illinois FIRST funds will go directly to the design, planning, construction of the new jail and an access road to the site. The 131,833 square foot building will be located at Airport Road and Interstate 57.

The jail facility, as determined through a needs assessment and preliminary design study, will contain the following components: receiving and booking area (intake/release); administration staff area; lobby and visiting area; work release reception and housing area; laundry area; food area; secure and miscellaneous mechanical area; general population dormitories; female/flexible housing area; special class housing area; maximum security housing area; and general and work release parking.