Grant Co. Jail, morgue projects updated

EPHRATA — Another piece of property is now under consideration as a possible location of the Grant County Morgue. Central Services Director Tom Gaines updated commissioners on the morgue project and construction of the new Grant County Jail on Tuesday. 

Jail 

The construction of the new jail is on schedule, with significant progress reported in various areas, according to Gaines. As of the 2024 fiscal year, expenditures have reached approximately $34.6 million, contributing to a total cost since the project's inception of around $37.3 million. 

“It's really taking shape,” Gaines said during the meeting. “It's moving pretty well. No big issues, abbreviated work schedules. It's going to be pretty quiet out there towards the end of the week.” 

Gaines said the construction teams are working to ensure the facility is adequately weatherproofed before the onset of winter. As of the latest reports, significant portions of the jail have begun to take shape with the booking areas and infirmary developing well. Concrete pours are ongoing, notably for the central energy plant slab and the various structural elements within the facility. 

“Lydig Construction has been a highly engaged partner and is doing a fantastic job on the project,” Gaines said in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. “The Architect has provided a great design that, thus far, is tracking well below the costs of other corrections facilities nationwide. We have a great team.” 

Despite some challenges, including minor change orders that involve additional access controls and lighting adjustments, the project is progressing smoothly, according to Gaines. He said the crew realized the necessity of implementing access controls on approximately 300 doors within the facility, a change that resulted in a financial implication of about $160,000. These adjustments are essential for ensuring a secure environment.  

“The jail project is progressing nicely without any delays and is tracking below budget,” Gaines said in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. “You'll see the roof trusses on the top of the block walls, and the second 256-bed pod is adding its exterior insulation. This weatherproof exterior can withstand the elements before the architectural panels are installed later.” 

Approximately 90 workers are active on site, with expectations to increase to around 200 as construction phases progress and interior work begins, Gaines said. Work schedules have been abbreviated due to the upcoming holiday. 

Gaines also said the Washington State Department of Transportation has indicated they will be executing a contract with the county to build a roundabout for the intersection outside the jail. However, there has not been a contract confirmed yet.  

“I haven't heard anything about it,” Gaines said during the meeting. “They keep telling us, ‘Well, once we review this, then we'll start the contract’ and they do (review), and then nothing. I just kind of keep waiting for them.”  

Morgue 

A location for the new morgue has yet to be chosen; however, Gaines said he has faced difficulties with the Moses Lake School District regarding the land parcels the district is selling. Instead, he said he thinks it is a better idea to use the land the county already owns on Randolph Road Northeast and College Parkway Northeast, around 10.9 acres, to build the morgue. 

The location is between Moses Lake and Ephrata, by Big Bend Community College which Gaines said is a good location for the facility.  

Gaines said he will give the commissioners a proposal for their consideration, possibly as early as next week.  

The new location is optimal, he said, because there are already pre-established sewer and water lines, therefore those will not go into the overall cost. Right now, the anticipated cost is $4-$6 million. 

“We can have the architect lay it out three, four different ways on (the property) for us to look at and if you want to involve other community partners and what their thoughts are, we can do that as well,” Gaines said.  

Port of Moses Lake officials have discussed with commissioners the idea of buying the same land for development. However, the new morgue will only take up around 10,000 to 12,000 square feet, Gaines said allowing for the port to use the rest for development.  

“The coroner's office is very inconspicuous,” Commissioner Rob Jones said regarding the Spokane coroner's office, which he toured. “It's very clean, very nice. It is in Spokane. I didn't realize it was going to be what it was when I went in. It's kind of inconspicuous. It blends in the cityscape.” 

The new location could open the possibility of a collaboration with Big Bend Community College for medical examiner and coroner internships.  

There was no action taken regarding the location of the morgue. 

    Possible parcel of land where Grant County will build the new morgue. The site is located between Ephrata and Moses Lake near Big Bend Community College.
  

    The Grant County Jail project as of Tuesday Nov. 26. Director of Central Services Tom Gaines said the project is going well and on schedule with no major conflicts.