The Honorable Members of the Erie County Legislature have exercised their obligation to carefully review the budget. We deeply appreciate their consideration of this capital project. However, we are disappointed that the plan – which was recommended by experts and would positively transform conditions for incarcerated individuals and our working staff – will not move forward at this time.
“This regrettable decision comes with a cost, as substantial investment in our two Jail Management Division facilities will be required in the coming decades. This includes an estimated $54 million in work that was identified this year for urgent and important projects. Removal of this proposal from the budget does nothing to address the fact that the duplication of services between our facilities costs Erie County taxpayers more than $15 million each year. I have done my job by bringing this to the legislators’ attention. It is my hope that they understand the magnitude of this situation. As I have said all along, doing nothing is not an option.