Jackson County supervisors have approved the location for a new county jail if voters approve bond funding Nov. 4 to pay for it.

The board voted 4-1 Monday to go with a site on Kenneth Avenue in Pascagoula.

The board wants to borrow $22 million to finance a 548-bed jail. However, Pascagoula Planning Commissioner Alice Baker secured 1,500 signatures in March to place the question before county voters.

In order for the board to acquire the funds, 60 percent of voters must approve the bond issue referendum.

Board President John McKay said that a riot or fatality at the existing, overcrowded jail could “cost 100 times more” than building a new structure.