Portage County Sheriff. MWC file photo by Mike Leischner
STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – Portage County is moving forward with the construction of a new Jail/Law Enforcement Center (LEC) and improvements to the Courthouse’s safety and security.
On November 18, 2025, the Portage County Board of Supervisors approved borrowing up to $160 million for this project, according to a news release issued on Tuesday.
The decision marks the beginning of Phase 1, which addresses overcrowding and enhances safety for staff and inmates. Sheriff Michael Lukas and his team contributed significantly to the design of a state-of-the-art facility.
County Board Chair Ray Reser and other key stakeholders, including the TEGRA Group and Dewberry, played crucial roles in the approval process. Their efforts aim to ensure the safety and security of the community while balancing fiscal responsibility.
The two-phased upgrades will also include an expansion of the Portage County Courthouse, which will include separate entrances for Judges and additional security improvements. That will be part of a land swap with the City, allowing it to vacate the current City Hall location and move to a county-owned building on 1039 Ellis Street. The city plans to demolish that building and put up a new structure at an estimated cost of $17.4 million.
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