It was revealed that one of the main requirements of the American Recovery Reinvestment Act calls for “unprecedented levels of accountability and transparency.”
A 2009 grant of $10 million (taxpayer money) for this jail occurred under ARRA. But the required “unprecedented levels of accountability and transparency” for the citizens of Thurston County did not happen.
Litany of secrecy includes:
2006-2010: Land was negotiated for and swapped among Thurston County, Nisqually Tribe and Fort Lewis.
2008: Tribal vote to site the jail on Fort Lewis property.
2008: Secret rerouting of Bonneville power lines to service the jail.
2009: Department of Justice $10 million grant made (supposed to be transparent).
2009: Alleged site evaluation process that selected the 179 acres.
2009: Decision by state Department of Corrections to promote creation of the jail.
2010: Contract for beds by the state Department of Corrections.
2010: Alleged notice sent to neighbors by the tribe.
2010: Secret reviews and contracts regarding road cuts and realignments.
2011: Disregard of public comment on various impact statements.
We call upon all concerned to put “stop the jail” out in the open.
