Search for new Oklahoma County jail location continues as airport land offer is rejected

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — It's back to the drawing board for a new jail location.

Over the last few Oklahoma County Commissioner meetings, commissioners have been discussing a list of potential sites, despite being tentatively approved to buy or lease land near Will Rogers World Airport.

On Thursday though, the Oklahoma City Airport Trust officially rejected County Commissioners' offer for the parcel of land.

"We've evaluated it, reached out to the FAA and raised some questions," Jeff Mulder, Airport Director said at the OKC Airport Trust meeting. "They came back with some concerns about us moving forward and the impact on our future grants."

Commissioners were offering $2.5 million for 51 acres near the airport.

Commissioner Carrie Blumert released a statement about the Airport Trust's rejection of their offer:

I am frustrated that this property was submitted to the County for consideration without the proper due diligence and I am disappointed the Oklahoma City Airport Trust rejected our offer, given it was the County’s number one site choice. We are now considering other properties, but our time frame to take action and select a site is quickly dwindling. I am still hopeful that we can find a site that meets our needs and is disruptive to the least amount of residents.

Now that the airport location is off the list, Commissioners are left with about a half dozen other potential sites for a new jail.

A new location, near Jones, was added to the list earlier this week.

The remaining potential site locations include:

• 71 acres at 1901 E. Grand Boulevard
• 60 acres at 17501 NE 150th Street
• 80 acres near I-40 and I-44 in unincorporated Oklahoma County
• 63 acres at SE 29th west of the Kickapoo Turnpike
• The current jail location, on Shartel in Downtown Oklahoma City

Mid-Del Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Rick Cobb, has expressed concerns about the Grand location.

On Thursday, Commissioner Carrie Blumert said during a meeting that the location was not desirable for Commissioners.

However, she said the city of Oklahoma City was pushing the location as one they could work with Commissioners on to rezone.

The need for a new jail is great. The current jail has seen a slew of public safety issues since it opened in 1991.