Washington County Jail Expansion Ahead of Schedule and Under Budget

Building commissioner says the $19 million project will be completed in June.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The $19 million project to expand the Washington County Detention Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas is expected to wrap up in June, ahead of schedule and under budget. The expansion was undertaken to help mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and prepare for any future pandemics.

Why it matters

The jail expansion has been a contentious issue in the community, with concerns raised about the cost and necessity of the project. However, the early completion and lower-than-expected costs may help alleviate some of those concerns and demonstrate the county's proactive approach to addressing public health challenges.

The details

The $19 million project will add new housing units, medical facilities, and other infrastructure to the Washington County Detention Center. The expansion is aimed at improving the jail's ability to respond to and contain infectious disease outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • The $19 million jail expansion project is expected to be completed in June 2026.
  • The project was initially announced in 2024 and has faced some community opposition.

The players

Washington County Detention Center

The county jail located in Fayetteville, Arkansas that is undergoing a $19 million expansion project.

Washington County

The county government in Arkansas that is overseeing the jail expansion project.

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What’s next

The county will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completed jail expansion project in June 2026.

The takeaway

The early completion and lower-than-expected costs of the Washington County jail expansion project may help address community concerns and demonstrate the county's proactive approach to public health challenges, even in the face of initial opposition to the project.