News Summary
Construction has commenced on Nebraska’s new state prison, which will accommodate 1,512 inmates and replace the outdated Nebraska State Penitentiary. The $312 million contract was awarded to Hausmann Construction. The new facility aims to enhance safety and operational efficiency while addressing overcrowding issues. The project is funded by a $350 million appropriation and is expected to be completed by mid-August 2028. Despite progress, Hausmann is dealing with a separate lawsuit in Iowa. Improvements to the correctional system are crucial for meeting the needs of the growing inmate population.
Lincoln, Nebraska – Construction has officially begun on Nebraska’s new state prison, which aims to accommodate 1,512 inmates and replace the outdated Nebraska State Penitentiary. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) finalized a contract with Hausmann Construction valued at $312,259,000 on July 24, leading to the commencement of construction activities last Tuesday. Initial work at the site involved clearing weeds and grass as preparations for the project get underway.
The new prison will be strategically located north of Interstate 80, adjacent to North 70th Street in Lincoln. This location was chosen not only for accessibility but also to support the operational efficiency of the facility.
Hausmann Construction, a company based in Lincoln, was awarded the construction contract after submitting the lowest bid at $313.3 million. Competing bids included a joint venture of Sampson Construction/Caddell Construction at $344.3 million and Clark Construction/MCL Construction at $341 million. This favorable bidding outcome is significant as it reflects a trend where construction costs for similar facilities in other states have been substantially higher.
Funding for the project is sourced from a $350 million appropriation allocated by the Nebraska Legislature, which ensures that the prison will be built within budget constraints. As of now, the project has already incurred expenses of approximately $33.8 million, covering land acquisition and design services conducted by Omaha-based DLR Group.
According to state officials, Hausmann Construction has 1,110 days to achieve substantial completion of the prison, targeting a finish date of around mid-August 2028. To kickstart this timeline, a meeting is scheduled between Hausmann representatives and state officials on Friday to discuss necessary pre-construction details.
The new facility is designed to offer enhanced safety measures for staff and more bed capacity, as well as adequate space dedicated to inmate programs and activities. The improvements are part of a larger strategy by the NDCS to modernize its correctional facilities and better serve the needs of the state’s growing inmate population.
Despite the progress on the Nebraska prison project, Hausmann Construction is simultaneously involved in a lawsuit concerning a separate project at the Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center in Iowa. The construction firm has alleged non-payment and damage to its reputation due to the actions of other involved parties.
The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services continues to monitor the project closely, assessing efficiencies as construction advances. This comprehensive oversight is intended to ensure that the project meets its timelines and quality standards while remaining financially prudent in the utilization of state funds.
The decision to replace the existing Nebraska State Penitentiary comes amid increasing pressure on the correctional system to address issues stemming from overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure, which have posed challenges in maintaining safety and providing necessary programs for inmates.
The construction of this new facility represents a significant investment in Nebraska’s correctional system and aims to align the state’s facilities with contemporary standards for prisons across the country.
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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
