Seven south King County cities, including SeaTac, announced Thursday their plans to build a 668-bed misdemeanor jail in neighboring Des Moines.

The cities on board this venture, which is called the South Correctional Entity (or “SCORE,” not to be confused with the small business advisors “SCORE”), include:

• SeaTac
• Des Moines
• Tukwila
• Burien
• Federal Way
• Renton
• Auburn

SCORE is hoping to open this new jail in mid-2011 to replace jail space that will no longer be provided by the county. The seven cities will team up to handle all operations of the new facility.

From a press release, here’s a quote from SeaTac Mayor Ralph Shape:

“Meeting the public safety needs of our residents while keeping costs down is our number one goal. SCORE meets that need.”

The entity has hired a consulting firm, which proposed that the area will need nearly 700 additional jail cells by 2026, and that cities could reduce costs by working together.

The preferred site for the new jail is near Des Moines Creek Park, on a 14-acre parcel owned by the Port of Seattle located southwest of where South 208th intersects with 18th Ave South (see map below).

Next steps in this project is the permitting process, which will also allow for public comments and review; here’s more info from the SCORE website:

SCORE is currently seeking applicants for the Community Outreach Team.

The Community Outreach Team will work with SCORE to address community concerns and questions.

If you are interested in participating, send your letter of interest to:

SCORE Outreach Team
1055 South Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057

Priority will be given to:

• Applicants that live in the cities of Des Moines or Tukwila
• Applicants that live west of 18th Avenue South
• Applicants that live South of 200th Street
• Applicants that live north of 216th Street

Questions and Comments can be e-mailed to SCOREjail@rentonwa.gov

A public meeting on this jail is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25th at 8:30am at the Renton City Hall.

So…what are your thoughts on having a new jail in our area?

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