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Construction begins at Law and Justice Building

Photo: With the plumbing project starting in the jail kitchen, a temporary kitchen has been set up in the old annex portion of the jail. Kitchen staff typically prepare two hot meals a day and a sack lunch. During construction, the jail will rely on pre-made meals served at breakfast and mid-day.

An $8.7 million construction project that will update the aging and failing plumbing in the Law & Justice Building is underway.

Over the past two years, the 42-year-old building has experienced piping failures in its sanitary sewer and domestic water systems, leading to leaks within the Law & Justice Building, which houses the county jail, sheriff’s office, superior court and superior court clerk, and the prosecutor’s office.

Starting on the first floor of the jail and moving up the four floors, the county’s contractor, McKinstry of Spokane, will begin replacing all domestic water and sanitary sewer lines and install a water management system, stainless-steel fixtures in the jail and sensor valves in public areas.

The project, which will take up to 12 months to complete, is being paid for with real estate excise tax (REET) dollars. REET is a tax on the sale of real property. Funds distributed to the county can be used on capital projects.

"Over the past two years, we have set aside those funds to pay for this project,” said County Administrator Cathy Mulhall. “We are hoping this plumbing project extends the life of our jail, which needs to be replaced eventually.”

With the updated plumbing, the building is also expected to see $30,000 in energy savings a year.

The public should not be greatly impacted by construction. Visitors may hear typical construction noise at times.

The department most impacted is the Chelan County Regional Justice Center. As the project progresses, the jail will move its functions and the incarcerated around in the facility.

With the project starting in the jail kitchen, a temporary kitchen has been set up in the old annex portion of the jail. Kitchen staff typically prepare two hot meals a day and a sack lunch. During construction, the jail will rely on pre-made meals served at breakfast and mid-day.

Last Updated: 02/23/2026 01:47 PM

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