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Louisiana panel approves budget adjustments as OJJ readies interim 36‑bed winter unit and plans new 72‑bed Jetson facility

Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget (JLCB) · November 20, 2025

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Summary

The committee approved budget adjustments affecting the Jetson Center for Youth and the Concordia Parish detention project. The Office of Juvenile Justice said it will house 36 youths temporarily in the 'winter unit' while building a new 72‑bed Jetson facility; demolition of obsolete buildings will follow completion of the new project.

Officials from the Office of Facility Planning & Control and the Office of Juvenile Justice briefed the committee on capital adjustments and a plan for the Jetson Center for Youth site. The committee approved adjustments recommended by the Criminal Justice Priority Funding Commission, including a $500,000 increase for Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office detention work and a $500,000 reallocation affecting the new Jetson Center project.

Jason Starnes, undersecretary for the Office of Juvenile Justice, said the department will pursue two concurrent projects: construction of a new 72‑bed facility and smaller security and renovation work on the old site to create an interim housing option. "We're gonna start off by using one of those dorms...the winter unit," Starnes said, describing its capacity as 36 beds and estimating an April target for beginning intake if interim improvements and contractor selection proceed on schedule.

Lawmakers pressed officials on community impacts near a new subdivision off Groom Road, screening and fencing plans, and whether demolition of dilapidated structures at the old site would occur before or after the new facility is completed. OJJ and FP&C said demolition is planned after the new facility is finished, and that some administrative, education and infirmary functions will remain in use during construction to reduce campus movement.

Committee action: the committee voted to approve the recommended budget adjustments and new project listings for higher education deferred maintenance and related capital requests that included Jetson site work. Members asked staff to arrange site visits for legislators who requested to review specific siting and screening plans.

What’s next: OJJ will continue design development for the new Jetson facility; FP&C said demolition of obsolete buildings at the Jetson site will be funded as a trailing capital outlay project after the new facility opens.