THE CARTER COUNTY COMMISSION HAS DECIDED TO GIVE A THUMBS UP FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW JAIL. THE NEW FACILITY WILL FEATURE 300 BEDS AND WILL COME WITH A PRICE TAG OF JUST OVER 24 MILLION DOLLARS. HOWEVER, THE VOTE IS CONTINGENT ON A FINAL CONTRACT BEING WORKED OUT BETWEEN THE COUNTY, ARCHITECT J. MARK RODGERS AND BLAINE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY. IT’S EXPECTED TO TAKE NEARLY TWO WEEKS TO COMPLETE THAT PROCESS. THE NEW JAIL ISN’T EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED UNTIL THE END OF 2009 OR EARLY 2010.