ATLANTA — The Fulton County Jail flooded on Wednesday night, sheriff’s office officials confirmed.
The flooding came as storms moved through Atlanta.
Channel 2’s Courtney Francisco went to the jail during WSB Tonight at 11 p.m.
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Video shows deputies walking through the water that appears to be a few inches deep. Another video shows the water coming up from the ground.
The sheriff’s office says this comes amid the Fulton County Board of Commissioners’ decision to renovate the jail instead of replacing the facility.
Sheriff Labat has been petitioning the board for funds to rebuild the jail for several years.
The sheriff spoke LIVE during WSB Tonight, saying the flooding in the jail highlights how “foolish” he believes the board’s decision is.
A spokesperson for the Fulton County Board of Commissioners issued the following statement:
“Storm water intrusion has periodically affected multiple Fulton County facilities in the city of Atlanta during flash flooding events. While weather related facility issues can pose a challenge, Fulton County and its contractors responded immediately to Wednesday night’s flooding at the jail. They were advised that no detainees will require relocation.
With the plan approved by the board of commissioners on August 20, an additional $500 million will be invested in improvements to Rice Street while also adding additional beds in a new Special Purpose Facility."
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