$40 million deadline met for new mental health facility

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A months-long battle has now come to an end after a strict deadline to spend $40 million in federal funding was met on Tuesday. County Commissioners secured the funds for a new mental health facility paired with the new jail.

Oklahoma County Commissioners want the new jail to be built along Grand Boulevard near Southeast 15th street, just outside Del City limits.

The push became harder, though, as Oklahoma City Council denied the rezoning request, and the county sued.

On Monday, the Attorney General issued a legal opinion. It said in part," Oklahoma County enjoys immunity from Oklahoma City's zoning power in this matter."

The new jail site has been a hot topic for months and even with the AG's opinion, not everyone agrees.

Opponents to the location are worried about the safety and security of those who work, go to school, or live nearby.

"This is not a day to celebrate, this is a day to mourn if you're from Del City," said Del City Councilman Scott Tatom.

"You better believe when something happens to our kids, I will be the first one here," said Gina Standridge, a concerned citizen.

"We'll continue to let you know how disappointing this is," said Del City Councilwoman Claudia Browne.

The AG's opinion gave County Commissioners the green light on their proposed jail location.

The other big question at Tuesday's meeting was spending the $40 million in COVID relief dollars for the jail's new mental health facility before the end of the year.

"Well, we had already secured it, so everything is good to go," said County Commissioner Brian Maughan.

Commissioner Maughan said the deadline was met.

"We were in position, if in the event something didn't work out with the Attorney General or a concession from the city, that we would be able to do something differently," said Commissioner Maughan.

Now, with a mental health facility secured, we asked what's next for the new jail.

"I think we could go ahead and proceed building a jail with that opinion, same as with the behavioral health center. I think the board needs to do some discussions about how to come up with the balance of the funds," said Deputy Chief Commissioner Joe Blough.

Commissioner Maughan said they're hoping to break ground on the new mental health facility very soon.

As for the lawsuit with Oklahoma City, Commissioner Maughan said no action was taken on that during Tuesday's meeting.