Cost of Proposed Joint Burleigh-Morton Jail: $70 Million

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Architects estimate that a two-county jail in Bismarck with room for 476 prisoners will cost $70 million — about $20 million more than the initial estimate.

Venture Architects says the increase is due to several factors including more beds and better technology.

The issue of a joint jail will come before voters in Burleigh and Morton counties in June. They'll decide whether to approve a temporary half-cent sales tax to fund the facility.

The Bismarck Tribune reports the current jails in both counties are overcrowded. Commissioners in both counties support the proposed joint jail.

Plans call for the jail to be built in 1 ½ years and paid off within 10 years.