Indiana is making significant investments in its correctional system, with several new jail and prison projects underway to address overcrowding, improve inmate rehabilitation, and modernize outdated facilities. From the $1.2 billion replacement of Westville Correctional Facility to county jails expanding their capacity and resources, these developments aim to enhance inmate support services. Westville Correctional Facility, Warrick County Jail, Madison County Jail, and Monroe County Jail are some new jails being built in Indiana.

Quick look

• The state is developing new and modernized correctional facilities to address overcrowding, enhance rehabilitation, and improve safety.
• Among the new jails being built in Indiana, key developments include the $1.2 billion Westville Correctional Facility and new jails in Warrick, Madison, and Monroe counties.
• These facilities incorporate mental health units, vocational training spaces, and educational programs to support inmate reintegration.
• With construction continuing through 2029, Indiana’s correctional system is set for a long-term transformation.

Westville Correctional Facility

Indiana is undertaking a significant project to replace both the Westville Correctional Facility and the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City with a modern, $1.2 billion complex. The new 1.4 million-square-foot campus is designed to accommodate up to 4,200 inmates, addressing current capacity challenges and consolidating operations from the nearby Indiana State Prison in Michigan City.

Construction milestones

The groundbreaking ceremony took place in September 2023, marking the commencement of this historic project—the most expensive state-building endeavor in Indiana’s history. 

Key features

The new facility emphasizes rehabilitation and safety, featuring an 18,000-square-foot educational space dedicated to academic and vocational training programs. A 400-bed unit is designated for mental health care and addiction recovery, reflecting the state’s commitment to comprehensive inmate support. Additionally, the complex includes two gymnasiums and a central utility plant to enhance operational efficiency.

Projected completion

As of February 2025, construction is progressing on schedule, with the facility expected to be operational by early 2027.

Warrick County Jail

Warrick County is constructing a new 234-bed jail to combat overcrowding and modernize its correctional facilities. This $55 million project will replace the existing facility, which has become insufficient due to increased inmate populations and administrative demands.

Construction milestones

Construction began in mid-2024, with a groundbreaking ceremony held in April 2024. Warrick County Sheriff Mike Wilder said the new jail has been in the planning stages for six years, partly driven by the county’s growing inmate population. Overcrowding has become a pressing issue, straining resources and limiting the facility’s ability to provide adequate housing and rehabilitation programs. While the pandemic temporarily reduced the number of inmates, the relief was short-lived.

“So in the short term that actually helped our jail population,” Wilder said. “But right now, we’ve already seen our jail population kind of back up again, back up to where it’s going to exceed how many beds you have, very shortly again.”

With the jail population rising again, the new facility is designed to provide the additional capacity and updated infrastructure needed to manage long-term inmate housing more effectively.

Key features

The 83,000-square-foot facility’s modern layout enhances safety and operational efficiency. It includes dedicated spaces for rehabilitation programs, such as classrooms and counseling areas, to support inmate education and reintegration efforts.

Projected completion

As of February 2025, the project is progressing on schedule. The facility is expected to be fully operational by spring 2026, providing improved accommodations and resources for inmates and staff.

Madison County Jail

Madison County is undertaking a significant project to replace its outdated jail with a new 525-bed facility. The total project cost is estimated at $105.5 million and aims to address overcrowding and modernize the county’s correctional infrastructure.

Construction milestones

In September 2024, county commissioners approved a $97.5 million construction contract with Garmong Construction. Site preparation began shortly thereafter, with construction at the 37-acre site on Broadway in Anderson expected to take approximately 30 months.

Key features

The facility’s design includes dormitory-style housing for low-level offenders, providing a more rehabilitative environment. Additionally, there are dedicated spaces for mental health and substance abuse programs, reflecting a commitment to comprehensive inmate care.

Projected completion

Construction is expected to conclude by late 2026, and the new jail will become operational shortly thereafter. This development aims to enhance safety, efficiency, and inmate support within Madison County’s correctional system.

Monroe County Jail

Monroe County is moving forward with plans to construct a new justice complex to address chronic overcrowding and modernize its correctional facilities. The project carries an estimated budget of approximately $200 million.

Construction milestones

In late 2024, county officials finalized the selection of the North Park property as the site for the new facility. Subsequently, in November 2024, the county commissioners approved a contract with WGS—a consortium comprising Weddle Bros. Building Group, Garmong Construction, and Smoot Construction—to serve as the construction manager for the project.

Key features

The design of the new complex emphasizes educational and rehabilitation spaces, reflecting a commitment to inmate reform and reducing recidivism. “This is not just a build it to fill it; this is a build it to have an education space,” said Monroe County Councilmember Trent Deckard. Additionally, the facility incorporates design elements to prevent future overcrowding, ensuring a sustainable environment for inmates and staff.

Projected completion

Construction is projected to be completed by February 2029, and the facility will become operational shortly thereafter. This timeline aims to provide Monroe County with a state-of-the-art correctional facility that meets current and future needs.

Bottom line

Indiana is making substantial investments in its correctional infrastructure; new jails being built in Indiana are expected to improve facility conditions, reduce overcrowding, and enhance rehabilitation programs. From the large-scale redevelopment of the Westville Correctional Facility to new, modernized jails in Warrick County, Madison County, and Monroe County, Indiana’s correctional system is set for a major transformation that could positively impact public safety and inmate reintegration efforts in the coming years.

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