News Summary
Construction has started on a new 1,512-bed prison in Lincoln, Nebraska, which will replace the old Nebraska State Penitentiary. The project, valued at $312 million, aims to modernize the state’s correctional system with better facilities and enhanced safety features. Funding primarily comes from a $350 million appropriation from the Nebraska Legislature. The expected completion date is mid-August 2028, reflecting Nebraska’s commitment to rehabilitation and infrastructure improvement.
Nebraska Begins Construction of New 1,512-Bed Prison in Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska – Construction has officially started on a new prison facility in Lincoln, marking a significant development in the state’s correctional system. The project involves building a 1,512-bed correctional center that will replace the aging Nebraska State Penitentiary, which has been in operation for decades.
Initial Construction Activities and Contract Details
On Wednesday, early signs of construction were observed at the site, located north of Interstate 80 near North 70th Street, close to the city of Lincoln. The initial efforts focused on preparing the land by clearing weeds and grass in anticipation of future building phases. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services finalized a contract valued at $312,259,000 with Hausmann Construction on July 24.
Hausmann Construction, a firm based in Lincoln, was selected as the contractor following a bidding process. They submitted the lowest bid among competitors, which included a joint venture of Sampson Construction and Caddell Construction offering approximately $344.3 million and Clark Construction teamed with MCL Construction, bidding around $341 million.
Project Timeline and Funding
Construction work officially commenced last Tuesday, with plans to achieve substantial completion within 1,110 days. The target date for opening the new facility is roughly mid-August 2028, ensuring the state meets its goal of modernizing aging infrastructure.
The project is funded primarily through a $350 million appropriation from the Nebraska Legislature. State officials assure that the project will be managed to stay within this budget, with ongoing evaluations to optimize efficiency as construction progresses.
Construction Supervision and Upcoming Meetings
A spokesperson from Hausmann Construction stated that a meeting with state officials is scheduled for Friday to discuss pre-construction activities and finalize details. The contractor emphasizes adherence to the timeline and budget, with rigorous oversight to maintain quality and efficiency.
Goals and Improvements with New Facility
The new correctional center aims to increase capacity, offering more beds than the current prison. Additionally, the facility is designed to provide enhanced space for inmate programs and improved safety features to better protect staff and inmates alike. These improvements are part of the state’s effort to modernize correctional infrastructure and enhance overall security.
Financial and Legal Considerations
Nebraska’s Correctional Services director, Rob Jeffreys, highlighted that the bid prices for this project are significantly lower than those in other states, indicating a more cost-effective approach to prison construction.
While construction of this facility is underway, Hausmann Construction is concurrently involved in a lawsuit related to the Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center project in Iowa. The company alleges non-payment and seeks damages that may impact its reputation, although these legal issues are separate from the Nebraska project.
Additional Project Context
The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services has already invested about $33.8 million on the new prison project. Investments include land acquisition and design work, which was executed by Omaha-based firm DLR Group. The department has committed to ongoing evaluations for project efficiencies as construction moves forward to ensure timely and within-budget completion.
Background and Future Outlook
This new prison project reflects Nebraska’s broader efforts to modernize the state’s correctional facilities. Replacing an aging penitentiary, the new center is expected to enhance safety, increase capacity, and support rehabilitation programs, aligning with statewide priorities for correctional reform and infrastructure improvement.
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Additional Resources
- Nebraska Examiner: Hausmann Construction Chosen for New Prison
- KLKN TV: Nebraska Accepts $313 Million Bid for New Prison
- Journal Star: New Nebraska Prison Update
- Wikipedia: Prison Reform in the United States
- Google Search: Nebraska Prison Construction
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