In the heart of Codington County, South Dakota, significant progress has been made on the construction of a new jail facility. On January 21st, 2025, local officials received an update from key project stakeholders, ensuring that the development remains aligned with the timeline established in November. The project, managed by Tegra Group and Architecture Inc., aims to enhance public safety infrastructure through meticulous planning and collaboration.

Detailed Progress Report on Jail Construction in Watertown

During a recent meeting in Watertown, SD, representatives from Tegra Group and Architecture Inc. presented an update on the jail construction project to the Codington County Commissioners. Notable attendees included Dick Strasberg and Tyler Klatt from Tegra Group, Andrew Eitreim from Architecture Inc., and senior members from Beckenhauer, Bill Barrett and Greg Beebe. The team reported that the project schedule is on track, following the initial timeline outlined in November.

To streamline the procurement process for essential components, the project will be divided into two bidding packages. This strategic approach ensures timely acquisition of long-lead items, crucial for maintaining the construction schedule. Currently, the team is in the second month of the schematic design phase, concentrating on refining floor plans and site layouts. Additional soil borings will be conducted as necessary to finalize the site plan.

Commissioner Gable highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Commissioners, design team, sheriff, and Chief Corrections Officer, emphasizing the importance of this teamwork in achieving a functional and efficient design for the new facility. The next milestones include finalizing the schematic design package by the end of January and preparing for the initial bid package submission.

From a journalistic perspective, this project exemplifies the power of effective collaboration and strategic planning in public infrastructure development. It underscores the commitment of local authorities and private contractors to deliver a much-needed facility that will significantly enhance community safety and operational efficiency. The transparency and proactive updates provided by the project team also set a commendable standard for future public projects.