ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 29, 2001) -- Strengthening his commitment to fight juvenile crime and improving the quality of life for all Marylanders, Governor Parris N. Glendening today announced Board of Public Works approval of a $7.8 million contract for construction of the new 24-bed detention facility to be located on a 2-acre site on the grounds of the Wicomico County Public Safety Complex, just north of Salisbury. “We have taken aggressive action to overcome the tragedy of juvenile crime in our communities,” said Governor Glendening. “This new facility allows us to deliver services we need in a more efficient manner while at the same time ensuring the safety of the local neighborhoods.”
The Board authorized award of the contract to Whiting-Turner Contracting Company of Baltimore, the lowest of four Maryland bidders. The board also approved a 30-year ground lease with Wicomico County, with two additional renewal terms of 30 years.
“The new detention center reflects the priority this administration places on holding juveniles accountable for their actions,” said Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend. “This new facility will allow our juvenile justice system to operate more efficiently and effectively by providing a secure, centralized state-of-the-art facility for the Lower Eastern Shore.”
The 28,200 square-foot building on Naylor Mill Road will provide a more accessible detention facility which will reduce travel time for the youth’s families, local law enforcement, social service providers, attorneys, and Department of Juvenile Justice staff. The new facility will be a welcome addition in efforts to serve the Eastern Shore augmenting the J. DeWeese Carter Youth Center in Chestertown.
“This is an important step in our efforts to address community needs comprehensively and will provide a direct link to community-based provision of services,” said Bishop L. Robinson, Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
The facility is designed to blend in with the adjacent buildings in the public safety complex. The detention center will serve up to 24 youths who are awaiting adjudication or placement. The building includes classrooms and staff space in order to provide educational services for the youths along with a medical suite to provide emergency medical service.
Construction will begin next month and is expected to be completed in January 2003. The project will be administered by the Maryland Department of General Services.
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E-MAIL: Dave.Humphrey@dgs.state.md.us
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