A study to determine the feasibility of building a regional jail in southern Idaho could be completed as soon as September 2010, but local leaders say actually building the facility could take several years. The Times-News reports commissioners and sheriff's department officials from Twin Falls, Jerome, Gooding and Lincoln counties met with state lawmakers and Idaho Department of Correction officials Monday to discuss the proposal. It's not the first time a regional jail has been considered for southern Idaho. An earlier proposal fell through after the state opted not to participate. Jerome County leaders say their county needs a new jail now, and may not be able to wait several years for a regional facility. Idaho Correction Director Brent Reinke says a regional jail would allow offenders to stay closer to home while serving time.
Information from: The Times-News, http://www.magicvalley.com
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