Demolition has begun on three hurricane-damaged jail buildings at Orleans Parish Prison.

The buildings, part of the sprawling jail complex that borders the I-10 in N.O., will be replaced with a single new prison facility and a recreation yard.

Criminal Sheriff Marlin Gusman held a press conference this morning at 3000 Perdido St. to discuss the project, saying the design of the new facility will allow for his staff to provide rehabilitative services to the inmates he houses.

The buildings to be torn down include two facilities constructed in the early to mid-1990s to house up to 1,400 prisoners. A prison gym will also be demolished. All were more than 50 percent damaged during Hurricane Katrina.

Demolition equipment was at the site on Monday morning. Gusman and FEMA Associate Deputy Administrator Jim Stark kicked off the demolition of one of the jail buildings, taking turns behind the controls of a backhoe with a jackhammer attachment.

Once the demolition is complete, construction of a single new building will begin. In addition to jail space, that building will house a kitchen and an intake and processing center, said Renee Lapeyrolerie, the sheriff's spokeswoman.

The entire project is being financed by FEMA, she said.