CONSTRUCTION BEGINS AT NEW AUSTIN CO. JUSTICE CENTER

  

Construction has begun at the site of Austin County’s new criminal justice center.

Austin County Commissioners at their meeting this week unanimously authorized County Judge Tim Lapham to sign a contract agreement with Gaeke Construction for $10.7 million.

The justice center is being built on Chesley Street using land owned by the county but currently leased by TxDOT for a facility there.  Plans were initially to build the center next to the facility housing the Austin County Jail and Sheriff’s Office, which is also undergoing renovation.

In November of 2018, Austin County voters passed a $17 million bond issue to cover costs of the new complex.  The bond also covers funding for the new EMS station in Sealy.

Lapham said the contract gives Gaeke Construction a 570-day window, roughly a year and a half, to complete the project.