Administrator Wayne Applebee gave about an hour tour of the facility, saying that the expenditures for the jail project through September is on budget. However, due to the recent rains, the masonry work is about two weeks behind schedule, and other areas are ahead of schedule.

"The mason crew is working on Saturdays to make up the time that has been lost during the recent rains," Applebee said.

According to the construction schedule provided by H.P. Cummings, the interior walls should be closed by the end of November, and the roof enclosed by March 2006.

Applebee pointed out the 44' x 30' maintenance garage that had been taken off the site plan because of the cost of about $120,000. It was put back on the plan, with the labor being provided by inmates from the Maine Department of Corrections, serving at the Windham facility.

The total cost of the materials and supplies is estimated to be $76,000. The building will be heated and provide for additional office and training spaces.

Other areas pointed out during the tour included the booking area, public lobby, outdoor recreation area for the inmates, the inmate cell walls, medical and female cells, industrial area, and the special management unit.

Applebee was asked how many females could be housed in the facility.

"There are 14 beds in the female unit, Applebee said. "This is a concern because the female population is growing within corrections."

When the facility opens there will be 120 beds. Currently the combined average of inmates between Lincoln and Sagadahoc County is 75, according to Applebee. By putting double bunks in the cells the facility could add another 50 beds, making a total of 170 beds.

Applebee said there are two cellblocks being built that could accommodate additions of two housing units with a total of 104 beds, if there is a need in the future for additional space.

"I certainly hope it doesn't come to that," Applebee said. "I don't want to be asking the taxpayers for another $2 million right away," he said with a chuckle.

The Two Bridges Regional Jail will be direct supervision. According to Applebee, although the concept has been around for over 30 years, it is still fairly new. With direct supervision, it places the staff face to face with the general population of inmates.

"We want to have our inmates accountable for caring for themselves," Applebee said. "They will do their own laundry and make their own appointments. We want our inmates to be responsible and accountable. We believe people can change and we have an obligation to help them in that process," he said.