JACKSON, Calif.—After more than two decades of managing a population that far exceeded its rated capacity, Amador County is nearing the finish line on its long-awaited jail expansion. As of March 2026, the project has moved into the critical commissioning and staffing phase, with an estimated full occupancy and operational date set for late spring 2026.
The $24 million project, largely funded by a $17.1 million state grant (SB 863), adds approximately 16,000 square feet to the existing facility in Jackson. This expansion is a direct response to a 20-year trend of overcrowding that saw the jail’s population frequently exceed its 76-inmate capacity. By adding 40 new beds and two modern dayrooms, the facility finally aligns with modern Title 24 regulations and reduces the county’s reliance on early releases and out-of-county housing.
Building for Wellness and Safety
Led by the architectural expertise of Nacht & Lewis and the construction efforts of F&H Construction, the project represents a significant shift from traditional incarceration to a treatment-focused model.
Key features of the new facility include:
- Medical and Dental Suites: For the first time, inmates will have access to on-site dental and specialized medical exam rooms, significantly reducing the security risks and costs associated with off-site transport.
- Mental Health Programming: A dedicated treatment room provides a secure space for behavioral health services, a critical need identified by the Amador County Civil Grand Jury.
- Staff Resilience: The design includes a state-of-the-art central control room and improved sightlines, aimed at lowering the high stress levels of correctional officers and support staff.
The Final Push
Construction crews from F&H Construction have successfully navigated a series of technical hurdles, including complex rock excavations and foundation work on steep terrain. Despite historic rain delays in previous seasons, the structure was “dried in” late last year, allowing interior tenant improvements to proceed on schedule.
“We appreciate the great efforts of F&H Construction,” noted project observers during recent site walkthroughs. “Their hard work is visible in the precision of the high-security electronics and the integration of the new mobile command structure.”
As the county begins the 90-day “burn-in” period required for safety certifications, local officials anticipate that the expansion will not only provide a safer environment for staff and inmates but also serve as a vital cornerstone for community safety and recidivism reduction in the Central Valley.
Nacht & Lewis is a Sacramento‑based architecture firm with a long record of shaping civic and justice environments across California. Their justice work focuses on creating secure facilities that also support dignity, rehabilitation, and mental‑health needs. Projects such as the Amador County Jail SB 863 Expansion and Solano County’s Mental Health Diversion Facility reflect their emphasis on humane design, modern safety standards, and integrated treatment spaces. The firm’s leadership, including specialists active in statewide justice and fire‑safety task groups, helps guide counties through the complexities of today’s correctional and public‑safety challenges. Across jails, behavioral‑health centers, and training facilities, Nacht & Lewis brings a consistent commitment to environments that balance security with meaningful opportunities for well‑being.
F&H Construction is a leading commercial general contractor based in Lodi, Calif., with a legacy dating back to 1963. The company is known for building “spaces for life,” delivering schools, theaters, wineries, food‑processing facilities, transit centers, power‑generation sites, and other essential public and private infrastructure. Their reputation is built on innovative construction methods, strong cost and quality controls, and the ability to self‑perform key trades with a large, highly skilled workforce. Operating across California and Hawai‘i, F&H brings deep technical expertise and a collaborative, solutions‑driven approach to every project. Their long-standing commitment to craftsmanship, efficiency, and client value has made them a trusted partner for agencies and organizations shaping their communities.
