BUTLER — After more than three years, the Butler County Prison legal saga is almost over.

An agreement was reached last week to settle all federal litigation involving the bonding company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America, and the construction company, A.G. Cullen Construction, Inc. concerning claims arising from the jail’s construction.

Construction began February 2006 and was slated for completion in October 2007. But the jail didn’t open until July 2009.

The $40 million, 172,000-square-foot jail can hold about 500 prisoners.

Contractual disputes along with the contractor walking off the site in a dispute with project managers delayed construction.

According to the county, the proposed settlement dictates that:

•The county will retain all of the about $6.5 million in payments made by Travelers to complete the project, including cost overruns and liquidated damages.

•Travelers will pay the county an additional $229,000.

•Travelers and A.G. Cullen will drop all of their claims against Butler County, and the county will not pay any claims in the litigation.

Rick Kalson, A.G. Cullen’s attorney, said the county also dropped its claims against the construction company.

The settlement came after more than 12 hours of mediation in Pittsburgh.

County Solicitor Julie Graham and the county’s chief clerk were at the meeting along with representatives from each company, Graham said. She wouldn’t comment on the tone or details of the meeting.

Commissioners will vote on the settlement at a public meeting in September, though there is not a specific date set.

Two public commissioners meetings, one on Sept. 8 and one on Sept. 22, are scheduled; Graham said it’s likely the vote will come at one of those meetings.

Some clean-up work to get all the details finalized is occurring now, Graham said.

Commissioner Jim Lokhaiser said he’s “very satisfied with the outcome.”

“We’re very, very thrilled and relieved that the prison project issue has been resolved.”

Kalson, A.G. Cullen’s attorney, said “all three parties were mutually satisfied with the agreement.”

Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America declined comment.

Some state court litigation remains with claims from contractors Clista Electric, Inc. and Enders Plumbing & Heating Co. against Travelers for delays during construction.

Butler County has already secured completed releases from Clista and Enders and has no liability in that remaining case, according to the county.

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