Codington County Jail in Watertown Targets August 2027 Completion

1 hour ago

2 min read

Construction site with a red crane beside a large building under stormy skies; Northeast Radio SD and Codington County logos.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Construction spending on the new Codington County jail facility is about 51%, with contingency budgets remaining in strong shape, Commissioner Lee Gabel (District 1) reported Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026.

At the Codington County Board of Commissioners meeting at the Codington County Courthouse in Watertown, Gabel shared a project tracking chart prepared by Tegra Group that details construction progress and budget figures through the end of last week.

Campaign banner for Matt Roby, District 5 House, with his portrait and text: Early voting is open now at the County Courthouse.

Construction Budget and Contingency Status

According to Gabel's report, overall spending on the construction budget is roughly 51%, while soft costs are at about 67%.

Project contingency funds remain well below overall construction spending levels, with construction contingency usage at about 40% and owner contingency expenses at 9%.

"So, the contingency budget still looks like it's in good shape," Gabel said.

Project Timeline and Weather Delays

Gabel reported that the facility is projected to reach substantial completion toward the end of July 2027, with final completion expected toward the end of August 2027. He noted that crews lost multiple working days to rain and periods of extreme cold over the past winter.

Exterior crews are currently installing curb and gutter and laying the first layer of asphalt to improve building access and reduce dirt and grime on the site.

Interior Walls and Concrete Work

Inside the facility, Gabel said most interior walls and window frames are in place in Area C, which will house the future Codington County Sheriff's Office, and Area B, which includes the public entrance, booking area, and juvenile and women's housing.

In Area A, the main housing area, crews have poured the concrete floor except for the designated shell space. Gabel said crews expect to pour the remaining concrete for the shell space floor this week. Commissioners previously approved that concrete work as a change order so the area can be used for storage or converted into cell space in the future.