Contract Greenlit as New Jail Re-Entry Facility Set to Rise

Mohave County is set to enhance its support for inmates facing mental health and substance abuse challenges with the upcoming construction of a specialized re-entry facility in Kingman. Dubbed the “Reach Out” facility, this initiative stems from a commitment to address issues that may have contributed to incarceration.

A contract worth $3.5 million was approved by the Mohave County Board of Supervisors last Monday, signaling a significant step forward for the project. The county’s public works department had solicited bids earlier in the year from several contractors, including Mesa-based Concord General Contracting and Flagstaff’s Woodruff Construction, among others.

After careful evaluation, Concord secured the contract by submitting the lowest bid at $3.535 million. In contrast, M. Greenberg Construction’s bid exceeded $6 million, highlighting the competitive nature of the bidding process.

Planning for the “Reach Out” facility has been ongoing for over two years, following the allocation of $4 million for the re-entry initiative in July 2022. The facility is projected to span 8,000 square feet and is designed to accommodate a range of services. Features will include a lobby, administrative areas, medical and therapy rooms, consultation spaces, and more to cater to the needs of future clients.

The program draws inspiration from a successful model established in Yavapai County in 2018, which reportedly achieved a 30% reduction in recidivism rates over four years. This decline was attributed to comprehensive mental health services and substance abuse counseling provided to inmates post-release.

The approval of the contract for the “Reach Out” facility was conducted under the board’s consent agenda, allowing progress without necessitating extensive discussion. This initiative represents a pivotal move toward supporting individuals reintegrating into society.