PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The City of Portsmouth is pushing to purchase the former Hampton Roads Regional Jail (HRRJ) facility. City leaders say that while their tentative goal was to be in the new facility by early next year, they think it can be done as early as this fall.
This week at city council, members voted unanimously to submit a corrections plan need assessment and planning study to the Virginia Board of Local and Regional Jails. That's an important step before the city can think about relocating.
Portsmouth Sheriff Michael Moore said he’s feeling optimistic about the potential change. “It’s a great feeling,” he told 13News Now.
Moore’s goal is to be in the new facility by late fall, a few months before the tentative opening date in early 2025.
“The primary objective over the next few months, is see what the buildout looks like, what the cost is, and how soon can it be done,”
When asked if she thinks the move can be completed by early fall, Vice Mayor Lisa Lucas-Burke said, “I do.”
Before the sale can officially go through, the four other cities that were part of the HRRJ jurisdiction need to sign off on it. On that subject, Sheriff Moore said, “It’s my understanding in the reports I've gotten back is that everyone is on the same sheet of music. Everyone is in agreement to sell the jail to the City of Portsmouth.”
Vice Mayor Lucas-Burke echoed the sentiment. “We wanted to go through with a sale everyone felt good about,” she explained.
Moore said that for the most part, the HRRJ facility is in good condition. It’s getting a new roof but has a capacity for 1,300 inmates, while the current 55-year-old waterfront facility can house around 200.
“The [waterfront] building has aged out,” he explained. “It’s been very, very useful, but we look forward to moving into a building that’s half the age.”
The estimated total cost for the building purchase and updates is $30 to $45 million.