WINDER — The concept of a regional jail, which could house inmates from several Athens-area counties, appears to be dead.
Most Athens-area governments — including Barrow, Jackson, Oconee and Oglethorpe counties — are moving ahead with plans to build their own jails. Another, Madison County, opened a new jail in 2003, leaving only Clarke County officials to ponder whether they need a larger jail facility.
“In order for it to be effective, you would have to have the buy-in of the surrounding counties,” Clarke County Sheriff Ira Edwards said of a regional jail. “It doesn’t appear that’s going to happen.”
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