LE CENTER — Le Sueur County plans to build a $23 million justice center.

County commissioners have approved building the new jail and office space on Le Center’s southeast side, but did not address public safety concerns about moving inmates from the jail to the existing courthouse. The current jail is currently across the street from the courthouse in downtown Le Center.

Commissioners were split on whether to build a new stand-alone center or remodel and add to the current courthouse complex.

The Free Press says a study last year found a need for 10,000 square feet of additional space.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2019 or 2020.