While the New Orleans City Council is sparring with Sheriff Marlin Gusman over how large the new jail will be, debate is continuing over whether the sheriff (who is running for re-election) intended to comply with an ordinance that limits the number of inmates due to budgetary constraints. Inmates are currently being detained in a set of modular buildings, which the sheriff has permission to operate even after the new building is completed, although capacity has been set at 500 detainees. Whatever the final size, as theadvocate.com informs MHProNews, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will pick up the tab for renovation or replacement of all the jail structures damaged during Hurricane Katrina.

(Photo credit: Correctional News–modular prison)