Codington County Jail Construction Remains on Track Despite Weather Delays
- Steve Jurrens
- Jul 14
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Codington County Commissioners received a detailed progress update Tuesday from Tyler Klatt of Tegra Group, who reported that construction of the new county jail continues to advance steadily despite weather‑related delays.
Klatt walked commissioners through the three major construction zones — Area A, Area B, and Area C — noting that each portion of the facility is progressing at a different stage:
· Area A (North end) is the final section still receiving precast and steel installation. Crews expect that work to wrap up this week or next.
· Area B (West/Southwest) has its exterior fully finished. Contractors are now running cables, piping, and ductwork after completing plumbing and mechanical rough‑ins.
· Area C (Sheriff’s Office, East side) is in a similar stage to Area B, with roofing completed and mechanical systems being roughed in.
Klatt emphasized that weather has been the primary source of delay, not contractor performance. The project has logged 34 weather delay days, largely tied to high winds that prevent safe panel installation.
“If they could be out there, they would,” Commissioner Lee Gabel noted. “But when it’s too windy, and you can’t swing the panels, it’s more dangerous than it’s worth.”
Budget Tracking Exactly as Expected
The jail project’s guaranteed maximum price (GMP) remains $32.6 million. Through May 2026, spending totaled $10.3 million, placing the project at 32% complete.
Both contingency accounts are in healthy shape:
· Construction contingency is 32% used, aligning with straight‑line projections.
· Owner contingency is only 7% used, which Klatt called “very positive” because it preserves funding for future needs such as IT equipment, furniture, signage, and operational enhancements.
Once the building becomes fully enclosed — expected mid‑August — risk levels drop significantly, and contingency spending typically slows.
Major Milestones Ahead
A key ceremonial moment is approaching: the topping‑out ceremony, marking placement of the final structural steel beam. The event is tentatively scheduled for August 20, and commissioners may be invited to participate.
The project is currently targeting substantial completion in late summer 2027, a timeline Klatt said remains realistic even with weather setbacks.
Photos Show Rapid Interior and Exterior Progress
Klatt also shared updated construction photos, including:
· The mechanical yard on the north side
· Exterior views from Highway 212
· Interior shots showing transitions from dirt floors to poured concrete
· The sally port for transport vehicles
· The mezzanine level within inmate housing areas
· The mechanical penthouse where major systems will be located
Commission Chair Troy VanDusen thanked Klatt for the update, noting the project appears to be moving “just as planned.”
Klatt agreed, saying the headline is simple: the jail project is tracking exactly where it should be.
