This project is a regional partnership between the Counties of Franklin, Montgomery, Roanoke and the City of Salem.  Currently, the jail facilities in these localities are operating at two or three times their rated capacity.

In 2004, Roanoke County and the City of Salem entered into discussions with the Counties of Franklin and Montgomery regarding the need for a regional facility that could accommodate current and future inmate populations.

Because the State will reimburse up to 50% for a regional jail project, compared to only 25% for a local jail, it made sense for the four jurisdictions to partner together in this project. 

The new regional jail will be located on a 42.7 acre tract off of West River Road in Roanoke County near Dixie Caverns.

The Western Virginia Regional Jail anticipates opening for operations in March 2009 and will employ approx. 194 people.

The facility consists of approximately 264,000 sq. ft. and provides a rated capacity for 605 inmates.  A total of 200 cells will be double bunked during construction which will provide a total of 805 general purpose beds upon opening.  For future growth, the facility can be further expanded an additional 649 rated capacity.

The facility will house both male and female inmates who are sentenced waiting for release or transfer to the Dept. of Corrections.  It will also house overflow inmates from the existing three jails, to include those with segregation, medical or mental health needs. 

The regional jail will seek national accreditation through the American Correctional Association (ACA) which will provide a highly professional and safe working environment for its staff.