Coryell County Turns Down Federal Loan

Coryell County commissioners voted unanimously to turn down an $18.8 million federal loan that would fund the construction of a new county jail if the project was completed by April 28, 2016.

Commissioners voted 4-1 to start construction on the 192-bed jail in 2017, with the site selected by June 9, 2016.

The USDA loan would have required repayment at more than 4 percent interest. County leaders believe the money can be borrowed for much less locally.