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The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has approved spending $26 million to renovate a drug treatment facility in National City.
Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday in favor of upgrading the Substance Use Residential and Treatment Services facility located at 2300 East Seventh St.
Constructed in the 1960s and 1980s, the two empty buildings comprise 33,000 square feet and were recently used for a 120-bed substance use treatment facility, according to Vice Chair Terra Lawson-Remer’s office.
The county plans to use the facility for “an array of substance use treatment services,” Lawson-Remer said. “Drug addiction is ruining too many lives, and this facility will help us make progress on this crisis, particularly as it relates to illicit opioids that are sweeping through our communities.”
“People suffering from addiction shouldn’t be left to die in the street,” she added. “This is a vote to get people the care we need and improve our neighborhoods for everyone.”
Because of their condition, the buildings will need significant repairs, improvements and code upgrades, Lawson-Remer added.
The project will include renovating electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems, updating dormitory rooms and office spaces and building a kitchen and laundry facility.
In September 2022, supervisors approved the purchase of the properties, and county officials in February 2023 awarded a contract for architectural and engineering services.
According to Lawson-Remer’s office, the project’s design phase, including construction planning, is almost done. Construction is expected to start next April, with projected completion in 2026.
City News Service contributed to this article.