West County Re-Entry Treatment and Housing (WRTH) Facility Expansion

The WRTH Facility Expansion advances Contra Costa County’s broader strategy to modernize correctional infrastructure in alignment with justice reform and legal compliance. Designed as a replacement for aging facilities at the Martinez Detention Facility, WRTH emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment. It supports improved behavioral health treatment, educational access, and vocational training in a secure yet non-custodial environment. The project reflects the county’s response to a 2020 legal settlement and aims to foster safer communities by prioritizing continuity of care and re-entry success. The expansion exemplifies a system-wide transformation grounded in humane, evidence-based practices.

• Five secure housing units accommodating 288 high-security beds
• 96 dedicated mental health treatment beds
• Behavioral health treatment zones, detox units, and inmate dayrooms
• Classrooms, vocational training labs, and outpatient medical clinics
• Dental and optometry exam rooms, family visitation spaces
• Transitional support areas and re-entry counseling facilities
• 1,000 SF generator and mechanical support building
• Continued integration with WCDF’s intake, commissary, and support systems

The WRTH expansion is co-located with the West County Detention Facility in Richmond, allowing seamless integration with existing intake, release, and operational support infrastructure. The site selection promotes efficient use of land and security systems while enabling facility modernization without disrupting core services. Located in a dense urban area, the facility supports Contra Costa’s regional justice operations and serves a diverse population with behavioral health and re-entry needs. The project complies with CEQA and environmental planning standards, addressing community impact concerns and preserving service continuity throughout phased construction.

• November 2022– Design finalization completed
• December 2022– Construction began
• 2023–2024– Phased build-out of housing units and treatment facilities
• September 2026– Targeted operational readiness and facility activation

The WRTH Facility Expansion is being constructed to California Green Building Code (CALGreen) standards, incorporating advanced stormwater systems, low-VOC construction materials, and solar-ready infrastructure. Energy-efficient HVAC systems and daylighting features are included to reduce long-term operating costs. The project underwent a comprehensive CEQA environmental impact review with mitigation measures addressing air quality, utilities, and cultural resource protection. Sustainable site design supports climate adaptation, and universal design principles ensure enhanced ADA compliance throughout the facility.

The WRTH expansion enhances Contra Costa County’s ability to deliver critical mental health, medical, and educational services within a correctional setting. It directly addresses regional overcrowding, aging infrastructure, and limited access to care for high-need populations. By aligning with California’s AB 109 and broader justice realignment efforts, the project improves outcomes for individuals transitioning back into the community. The facility’s rehabilitative focus supports community safety by reducing recidivism and enabling long-term stability for at-risk residents. This investment also contributes to regional workforce development and public health equity.