Community Safety & Justice Projects
Under construction: New Emergency Operations Center
Conceptual design of the new Emergency Operations Center
Project Description
Plans for an Emergency Operations Center aim to improve coordination during major events and natural disasters, bolstering overall emergency response capabilities.
The 2023 Legislative session allocated a total of $5,886,846 for the establishment and funding of the Benton County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) through Senate Bill 5506. This funding will be sourced from Lottery Backed Bonds, as authorized by Senate Bill 5030, resulting in a transfer of $5,000,000 to Benton County to cover project expenses. The remaining $886,846 will be allocated for the state’s bond issuance costs.
Timeline
Benton County will combine these resources with previously secured federal and County funds to construct a new EOC. It is expected that these additional resources will become available in the spring of 2025.
Project News
Future Plans for a New Correctional Facility
Current Jail Photo
Project Description
Benton County has committed to begin saving funds for a new correctional facility to develop a path forward for construction. The construction of a new correctional facility will aim to address critical needs identified in Benton County’s justice system by increasing capacity, improving rehabilitation efforts, and enhancing public safety.
Timeline
Background & History
Following public feedback during and after the 2015 bond campaign, the Board of Commissioners initiated a comprehensive study of the justice system. The 2018 Criminal Justice Assessment highlighted the need for a coordinated plan to enhance the performance of the Benton County community safety and justice system, encompassing enforcement, justice, and accountability across various agencies.