WASHBURN (AP) - The century-old McLean County Jail here is slated to be razed next month to make room for a new $3.5 million facility that can house four times the number of inmates.

The current jail, built in 1907, is believed to be the oldest functioning county jail in the state. Officials say it is deteriorating and has asbestos and lead paint. It also is not handicapped accessible

Last June, voters approved a measure to replace the old jail. Officials say the money for the new jail will come from savings, grants and loans.

The cornerstone at the McLean County jail was placed in 1906, with construction completed a year later. An addition was added in 1972, to bump the capacity to 11 prisoners, its current limit.

"One of the problems we have right now with our old jail setup is we can handle 11 prisoners, but only if it's 11 male or 11 female," County Auditor Leslie Korgel said. "If we have one of the opposite sex, then we can only handle nine. And so, that gives us some problems where we've been full."

He said that the new jail will be able to house 45 prisoners.

"We're normally looking at an operating capacity of somewhere between 20 and 30," Korgel said.

Korgel said bids for the new jail will open on April 26. Demolition of the old jail could start in early May, he said.

Korgel said the process will be conducted as quickly as possible, "depending on the weather."