Supreme Court rules against challenge to $232M youth jail

SEATTLE – The Washington state Supreme Court has struck down a challenge by activists against a $232 million youth jail and courthouse that are under construction in Seattle.

The Seattle Times reported the court said Thursday the group End the Prison Industrial Complex failed to meet a 10-day deadline to file objections to ballot measures before they’re put to voters.

The group sued the county over the measure to fund the King County youth courthouse and jail nearly four years after it was filed.

Opponents have called for the money to be spent on alternatives to detention.

County voters approved a $210 million levy to replace the King County Children and Family Justice Center in 2012, agreeing to property tax increases for nine years.

In 2016, EPIC sued the county, arguing the ballot measure contained flawed language. A lawyer for the group says they are considering their options.