Sheriff backs jail site – with caveat

Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich says he can support building a new lockup next door to the Spokane County Jail.

But Knezovich said this week that his support is dependent on county commissioners committing to set aside other adjacent land for additional expansion, which could happen sometime around 2035.

County commissioners are considering where to put a new lockup to replace Geiger Corrections Center, which houses low- and medium-security inmates.

The top choice of a committee that examined the issue is land adjacent to the Spokane County Jail.

Two other sites remain in the running: county land off Tschirley Road, east of the Spokane Industrial Park in Spokane Valley, and private property on Medical Lake Road near Interstate 90.

At a hearing on the matter Tuesday night, some West Plains residents argued against the Medical Lake Road location because of traffic concerns.

They also said it should be placed elsewhere since the West Plains already is home to Airway Heights Corrections Center and Eastern State Hospital.

No matter which location is chosen, the Spokane County Jail would continue to be used for inmates considered the most dangerous.

Knezovich said he doubts Tschirley Road will be chosen because it is property the county bought to mine for gravel.

Spokane Mayor Mary Verner submitted a letter supporting the location adjacent to the jail.

Commissioners voted to delay a decision on the site. They will accept written testimony on the topic for two more weeks.