News Summary
Construction has officially started on Nebraska’s new state prison in Lincoln, designed to replace the outdated Nebraska State Penitentiary. The facility will feature 1,512 beds and is being built by Hausmann Construction under a $312 million contract. The project, funded by a $350 million allocation from the Nebraska Legislature, aims to be completed in 1,110 days, with improved safety and rehabilitation features for inmates. Initial ground preparation activities have commenced, marking a significant step forward in addressing the state’s correctional needs.
Lincoln, Nebraska – Early signs of construction were observed at the site of Nebraska’s new state prison in Lincoln as work officially commenced last Tuesday. The new facility, which will have 1,512 beds, is being built to replace the aging Nebraska State Penitentiary.
The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services finalized a substantial contract worth $312,259,000 with Hausmann Construction on July 24, selecting them as the lowest bidder from among several proposals. The construction project will be funded by a $350 million appropriation from the Nebraska Legislature, ensuring that it will remain within budgetary constraints.
Initial construction activities at the site have primarily included the preparation of the land, such as cutting down weeds and grass. Located north of Interstate 80 and adjacent to North 70th Street, the new prison is strategically situated close to Lincoln, enhancing accessibility for inmates’ families and legal representatives.
Hausmann Construction, based in Lincoln, won the contract with a bid amounting to $313.3 million, which was notably lower than competing bids. A joint venture of Sampson Construction/Caddell Construction submitted a bid of $344.3 million, while Clark Construction/MCL Construction offered $341 million. The efficient bidding process has been advantageous for the state, as the actual bids came in considerably lower than average prison construction costs seen in other states.
The timeline for the project is extensive, with Hausmann Construction required to substantially complete the facility within 1,110 days. The target completion date is set for roughly mid-August 2028. A spokesperson for Hausmann indicated that a meeting is scheduled with state officials to finalize pre-construction details shortly.
The redesigned prison facility is expected to enhance both capacity and safety, incorporating improved safety features for staff and providing additional space for inmate programs. This focus on rehabilitation and safety is a key aspect of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services’ strategic goals going forward.
In terms of funding, Nebraska has already allocated $33.8 million for the prison project. This figure includes costs for land acquisition and design work conducted by Omaha-based firm DLR Group, highlighting Nebraska’s commitment to seeing the project through.
While construction of the new prison is underway, it is worth noting that Hausmann Construction is concurrently involved in a lawsuit regarding the Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center project in Iowa. The lawsuit alleges non-payment and reputational damages caused by other parties involved in that project, indicating challenges that the contractor is navigating even as they embark on the new prison construction.
The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services has reiterated its commitment to evaluating the efficiencies of the project as it progresses, ensuring that the construction remains on track and within financial parameters. This development signifies a crucial step in addressing the state’s correctional needs while replacing the outdated facilities that no longer meet modern standards.
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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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