COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — The city of Columbus is facing what will be the most costly single construction project in its history.

A new jail.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Sheriff Countryman’s case for a new jail

WRBL News 3's Chuck Williams has been looking at the cost of a replacement for the Muscogee County Jail.

Jails are not cheap. And the decision to build a new jail will have to be made sooner rather than later.

“It’s staggering," said Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson.

That is how Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson describes the cost to build a replacement for the Muscogee County Jail.

Construction costs alone are estimated to be almost $400 million. Architect, engineering, and consulting services could drive that number to $478 million.

Just how much taxpayer money is that?

If you put the $200

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