Price of Santa Clara County's new jail soars, with officials blaming it on delays and inflation

by: Gabriel Greschler

Santa Clara County’s new main jail, which critics have blasted as a wasted effort that will do little to deter crime, could end up costing almost twice as much as estimated two years ago, according to a newly released budget proposal.

The estimated cost of the 500-bed facility to be built at the 150 W. Hedding St. site of the main jail complex in San Jose has soared from $390 million to $689 million,

Approved on a 3-2 vote in late January, the new jail will rise where Main Jail South was razed in 2020. The project will entail demolishing Main Jail North next to it possibly parts of Milpitas’ Elmwood Correctional Facility.

Criminal justice reform activists have strongly criticized the county for pursuing the project, saying it should focus instead on treating mental health and drug addiction issues that are the root cause of many crimes.

Read San Jose Mercury News story here