Atoka County historical building threatened

(Atoka-AP) -- An Atoka building on the National Register of Historic Places may be torn down to make way for a new jail. <br><br>The 1937 rock building is behind the Atoka County Courthouse, an ideal spot

Wednesday, January 29th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Atoka-AP) -- An Atoka building on the National Register of Historic Places may be torn down to make way for a new jail.

The 1937 rock building is behind the Atoka County Courthouse, an ideal spot for a jail.

The building was constructed under the Works Progress Administration program during the Great Depression.

For years, it was Atoka's agricultural building, then became a public library. Now it houses the sheriff's office.

A group of 12 Atoka County Historical Society members have pleaded with county commissioners to find another spot for a new jail.

Officials say the building's listing on the National Register of Historic Places doesn't protect it from being torn down. Only buildings that have federal funding, licensing or permits are eligible for a formal review before their demise.