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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:     Wednesday, August 3, 2005

Community Corrections Center Web Site Launched

OLYMPIA – Thurston County has launched a new web site so county residents can learn more about the Accountability and Restitution Center (ARC) proposed for the Mottman area of Tumwater. The 384-bed facility would be built on 27 acres between the county’s Family Court and the Coroner’s Office.  The ARC would solve several challenges that the county faces including alleviating overcrowded conditions in the county jail and providing a nexus for community based corrections programs like electronic home monitoring and day jail.  In addition, vastly improved inmate assessment at the new facility would help inmates find the resources needed to help them overcome challenges like substance abuse so they can avoid future crimes and a return to jail.  Chief Administrative Officer Don Krupp says the ARC is a real change in thinking about corrections.  “We have to provide for community safety and we need jail cells to make that happen.  But we are also approaching a person’s stay in custody much differently, by working to find the underlying cause of criminal behavior, like mental illness or substance abuse, and working to solve that problem and return the person to a law abiding, productive role in the community.”

The ARC web site will inform citizens about the project in several different ways including-

   A description of the Accountability and Restitution Center concept.

   A multi-year history of the effort to solve jail overcrowding.

   An explanation of the recommendation.

   A description of the facility and program components.

   A project schedule.

Visitors to the web site will also be able to sign up for the project newsletter and leave comments on the issue.

Thurston County Commissioner Cathy Wolfe says she hopes people will visit the web site.  “We have been listening to the public for several years on this issue and we will continue to do so.  The county remains committed to working with our city and town partners to ensure we are providing the best, most affordable solution to a complex problem.” 

The ARC web pages can be found on the Thurston County web site at http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/arc/index.htm