Photo courtesy of the Dallas County Sheriff's Office

When construction began on the new Dallas County Law Enforcement Center a little less than two years ago, the hope was that it would be ready to open by this October. However, due to a multitude of delays, mostly because of weather, it’s now expected to be completed next year.

Board of Supervisors Chairperson Mark Hanson says while the delay for moving into the facility is unfortunate, he points out that it’s necessary to ensure the building works as it’s supposed to. “We had hoped that maybe it would be (done) before the first of the year, (but) it looks like it’s going to be into next year at some point in time, whether it’s a winter or a spring (date). But it’s a very complicated and complex building because of the electronics and everything involved, and we want to make sure it’s done right and on budget. At this point in time, it looks like it will.”

Hanson extended his thanks to the voters of Dallas County for approving the bond referendum two years ago that provided the funding for the project. He emphasized that the new law enforcement center is very important, as the County has more than doubled in population over the last 20 years and the current jail doesn’t come close to meeting their needs. To learn more about this and other current projects going on in the County, listen to yesterday’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.