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9 Months After Napa Quake, Damaged County Jail May Not Re-Open For Another Year

NAPA (KCBS)— The earthquake-damaged Napa County Jail may not re-open for at least another year, according to estimates by officials. Nearly eight months ago, 65 inmates were transferred to the adjacent county correctional facility in Sonoma County.

Many of Napa's government buildings took a beating in last August's 6.0 magnitude temblor and the county jail was not spared.

Corrections administrative manager Brett Prebula, said from the outside, despite the yellow tags, the jail looks fine. But inside, it's another story. The building, constructed in 1975 was significantly damaged and will need to be rebuilt. An adjoining complex built in 1989 fared much better and is not in need of repair.

The jail works with the public defender and public defense attorneys to ensure they have access to their clients in Solano County.

Solano County had extra space for the inmates, but it's been a challenge for the inmates' families who have had to drive about a half hour out of their way.

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