Drainage pipe delays work on Rusk Co. Jail

HENDERSON — Construction on the $14.5 million three-story Rusk County Jail expansion project slated to begin this month has been delayed until February of next year because a storm drainage pipe must be removed from a construction area that would be below the expanded jail.

Rusk County commissioners voted yesterday to move the pipe from below the jail parking lot because any potential leak under the jail could cause damage and pose problems for maintenance and repairs.

The 20-year-old pipe is 48 inches in diameter and located eight feet below the parking lot.

Engineers from Hendersonbased Stokes and Associates have told commissioners construction to remove the pipe must come before work begins on the jail.

According to engineers, pipeline removal would tack on $330,000 to the facility price tag.

Commissioners plan to begin advertising for bids within the next 45 days.