Construction is underway for a major expansion of the Stanislaus County jail.  More than 600 beds will be added over the next three years.

Stanislaus County lost 172 beds to a fire at the honor farm in 2010.

Now a new facility is being built with construction expected to be completed by September.

Sheriff Adam Christianson says the new unit will provide both incarceration and rehabilitation.

Christianson: "Currently we have 192 beds under construction, our plan is to include programming space so we stay focused on education, vocational, and rehabilitative opportunities."

An $80 million dollar grant under the state's realignment program will pay for another jail expansion with 456 beds in 2016.

Christianson says the new facilities will mean a significant increase in cost but the outlook is good.

Christianson: "We found the bottom of our fiscal freefall, our budget is stable for the first time in 4 years and we are actually hiring."

The honor farm, which is almost 50 years old will be completely closed down after the new unit opens.