Oklahoma County commissioners have secured nearly $40 million in federal funding to build a behavioral health facility for inmates at the Oklahoma County Detention Center. However, the proposed site along East Grand Boulevard, near the border of Del City and Oklahoma City, remains embroiled in a legal dispute with the city over zoning issues.
Community Concerns and Activist Pushback
The funding approval, finalized on Monday, faced strong opposition from community activists who argue that the project’s execution is rushed and ill-considered.
“This is the equivalent of gambling $40 million in Las Vegas—closing your eyes and rolling the dice,” said Mark Faulk of the People’s Council for Justice Reform during a press conference opposing the decision.
Activists criticized the location’s proximity to the detention center, expressing concerns about the potential stigmatization of mental health services and calling for alternative site proposals.
Commissioners Defend Urgency
County officials emphasized the importance of meeting the federal funding deadline at the end of December to avoid losing the money entirely.
“This is critical for the community. We need more than just one-size-fits-all jail cells,” said County Commissioner Brian Maughan.
Myles Davidson, commissioner for District 3, called the funding approval a procedural necessity, saying it ensures that resources are available to move forward with the behavioral health center despite ongoing legal uncertainty.
Legal Challenges and Zoning Issues
The proposed facility’s location, on the same property as the Oklahoma County Detention Center, is not zoned for jail-related activities. The matter is central to the legal conflict between Oklahoma City and the county, with a court hearing scheduled for January 23.
Davidson expressed cautious optimism about the county’s chances in court but acknowledged the possibility of relocating the project if necessary. “Should we not be able to build on that property—which I highly doubt—we may consider placing the behavioral health center elsewhere,” he said.
Community Division on Resource Allocation
Activists have urged commissioners to reconsider their plans, calling for the funds to be redirected to underserved communities or placed in a facility detached from the jail.
“We need responsible action. This funding should go to communities that desperately need it or to a mental health facility not tied to incarceration,” Faulk said.
Future Steps and Uncertainty
Before construction can begin, the board must vote on the project contract, marking a significant decision point for interim County Commissioner Joe Blough, who is new to the board.
“I haven’t reached a final decision, but securing the funds ensures we’re prepared if the opportunity arises,” Blough said.
If the courts rule against the county, Davidson assured that the federal funds would not go to waste, stating they would be reallocated to other county projects. Activists, however, remain skeptical of this claim.
Maughan warned of the broader implications of losing the funding. “It would be a travesty if this investment were lost. We need to do better in the booking process when individuals are arrested,” he said.
The future of the project—and the federal funds tied to it—hangs in the balance as the January court date approaches.
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