A southeast Louisiana community celebrated the opening of a correctional complex that's expected to focus on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.The Houma Courier reported that the opening of the $40 million Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex was celebrated Wednesday.Construction of the 118,095-square-foot structure near Thibodaux began in 2016 after parish residents approved a 0.2 percent sales tax.Originally built in 1976, the current facility holds about 245 inmates. Lt. Brennan Matherne, of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office said with little room to expand the aging building, a number of parish inmates were sent to other parishes at an astronomical cost.Inmates in the new facility will have greater autonomy, living in open dorms of about 50 people, with recreation and other available activities. Some inmates will be moved from the parish jail in about a month.Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!

A southeast Louisiana community celebrated the opening of a correctional complex that's expected to focus on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.

The Houma Courier reported that the opening of the $40 million Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex was celebrated Wednesday.


Construction of the 118,095-square-foot structure near Thibodaux began in 2016 after parish residents approved a 0.2 percent sales tax.

Originally built in 1976, the current facility holds about 245 inmates. Lt. Brennan Matherne, of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office said with little room to expand the aging building, a number of parish inmates were sent to other parishes at an astronomical cost.

Inmates in the new facility will have greater autonomy, living in open dorms of about 50 people, with recreation and other available activities. Some inmates will be moved from the parish jail in about a month.

Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!