The West County Re-Entry Treatment and Housing (WRTH) Facility Expansion is a groundbreaking infrastructure initiative aimed at transforming the approach to correctional rehabilitation in Contra Costa County. Located within the existing West County Detention Facility (WCDF) in Richmond, the expansion introduces approximately 150,000 square feet of secure housing, behavioral health treatment zones, and supportive service areas. With a total project cost of $126.5 million, the initiative is designed to replace outdated correctional beds at the Martinez Detention Facility with a modern, treatment-forward facility focused on mental health, education, and re-entry preparation. The facility will house 288 high-security beds, 96 of which are designated for mental health treatment, and will help realign the county’s correctional infrastructure with contemporary justice reform goals.
Funded through a $70 million SB 844 state grant and $25.5 million in County General Funds, the expansion is being delivered through a design-build partnership with Sletten Construction. It is scheduled for completion in late 2025, with phased construction already underway. Once operational, the expanded WRTH will support Contra Costa County’s commitment to rehabilitation-first practices, reduce recidivism, and meet legal obligations to improve medical and mental healthcare services for incarcerated individuals. This project signifies a shift in California’s correctional landscape by balancing security with recovery, reintegration, and public health outcomes.
Redefining Corrections—Investing in Treatment, Healing, and Community Reintegration
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
- November 2022– Design finalization completed
- December 2022– Construction began
- 2023–2024– Phased build-out of housing units and treatment facilities
- September 2026 – 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.
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