Rhea County authorities says it will cost the county close to $1 million this year to house inmates in neighboring counties to help with jail overcrowding. The state required the county to limit the total number of inmates housed in the current jail to 88. The new Rhea County Justice Center and jail is currently under construction at the corner of Rhea County Highway and Walnut Grove Church Road. Once it is open, it will be able to house 275 inmates as well as county courtrooms.