County seeks NIC technical assistance for correctional planning; officials to pursue federal meetings in Washington
January 29, 2026 | Benton County, Oregon
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County leaders told the WCJC they are pursuing federal technical assistance and outreach to support long-range correctional planning.
Rick (Speaker 2) reported the county applied more than a year ago for a National Institute of Corrections (NIC) technical assistance grant. NIC had indicated favorability but was unable to advance the application until NIC’s budget passed; with NIC’s budget now approved, the county hopes to reengage NIC and begin a process to recalibrate plans for a justice center or correctional facility. Rick said NIC assistance could cover facility planning, service delivery approaches and financing options, including steps related to a bond measure.
Speakers noted that Commissioner Shepherd and others will attend the National Association of Counties conference in Washington, D.C., departing Feb. 20, and plan to meet federal staff to discuss potential NIC support and other federal engagement. County staff and the sheriff’s office indicated continued partnership on NIC efforts.
No formal action was taken at this meeting; participants agreed to follow up after the Washington meetings and to keep the WCJC informed of NIC engagement.
Rick (Speaker 2) reported the county applied more than a year ago for a National Institute of Corrections (NIC) technical assistance grant. NIC had indicated favorability but was unable to advance the application until NIC’s budget passed; with NIC’s budget now approved, the county hopes to reengage NIC and begin a process to recalibrate plans for a justice center or correctional facility. Rick said NIC assistance could cover facility planning, service delivery approaches and financing options, including steps related to a bond measure.
Speakers noted that Commissioner Shepherd and others will attend the National Association of Counties conference in Washington, D.C., departing Feb. 20, and plan to meet federal staff to discuss potential NIC support and other federal engagement. County staff and the sheriff’s office indicated continued partnership on NIC efforts.
No formal action was taken at this meeting; participants agreed to follow up after the Washington meetings and to keep the WCJC informed of NIC engagement.
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