Weekly Connections August 24th, 2026

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of Aug. 24.

Let's get started with project updates:

• Cape Girardeau County, Mo., held an open house at its renovated 2001-era jail, capping an expansion and renovation project led by Treanor and Penzel Construction.
• A topping-out ceremony was held at the new $37 million, 108-bed Codington County Jail in Watertown, S.D.
• Grand County, Utah, officials are considering a new public safety complex that could cost between $30.4 million and $33.1 million.
• La Crosse County, Wis., is moving forward with a $10 million renovation of its jail to better accommodate individuals with mental health needs and women inmates.
• Shelby County, Mo., celebrated the opening of a new $7.5 million public safety complex housing the sheriff’s office, 911 communications center and county jail.

Up next in legislation and funding:

• Johnson County, Iowa, is holding information sessions on a proposed $94.5 million bond referendum to fund a new jail and sheriff’s office.
• Hood County, Texas, commissioners authorized $24 million for a law enforcement center and jail expansion project that would add approximately 21,500 square feet and 161 beds.

Moving on to people news:

• Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe has selected Valarie Moseley as the next director of the Missouri Department of Corrections, effective Oct. 1 pending Senate confirmation.

And now in construction reports:

• Fulton County, Ga., is soliciting CMAR proposals for the new $750 million Special Purpose Facility project, including an 1,800-bed, 780,000-square-foot detention facility and a separate 480-to-500-bed, 120,000-square-foot Accelerated Housing Component. Bids are due Sept. 25.
• The Alabama Department of Corrections is seeking architectural and engineering services under a $20 million Open-End Agreement for various projects at correctional facilities throughout the state. Bids are due Sept. 25.
• Karnes County, Texas, has issued an RFQ for construction manager at-risk services for an estimated $29 million expansion project at the county’s jail. Bids are due Sept. 7.

And finishing up with events:

• The Correctional Leaders Association’s Northeast Region Meeting will be held in Bar Harbor, Maine, from Sept. 8–11.
• Nominations are open through Sept. 30 for Correctional News’ annual Industry Awards.

For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast.