News Summary
The construction of a new state prison facility in Nebraska has officially begun, aimed at replacing the aging Nebraska State Penitentiary. Awarded to Hausmann Construction for $312 million, the new facility will feature 1,512 beds, enhance safety, and provide rehabilitative programs for inmates. Set for completion by mid-August 2028, this initiative reflects Nebraska’s commitment to modernizing its correctional infrastructure and improving public safety. Legal challenges are also ongoing for Hausmann Construction related to another project in Iowa.
Lincoln, Nebraska – Construction for a new state prison facility commenced last week, marking a significant step in Nebraska’s efforts to modernize its correctional infrastructure. The planned facility will accommodate 1,512 beds and is intended to replace the aging Nebraska State Penitentiary.
The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services awarded a contract worth $312,259,000 to Hausmann Construction on July 24. Initial construction activities began on Tuesday, including clearing weeds and grass at the designated site located north of Interstate 80 and adjacent to North 70th Street in Lincoln.
Hausmann Construction, a local firm that submitted the lowest bid of $313.3 million, was chosen over other contractors, including Sampson Construction/Caddell Construction with a bid of $344.3 million and Clark Construction/MCL Construction at $341 million.
This project is financed by a $350 million appropriation from the Nebraska Legislature, which also ensures that the project adheres to its budget. As the construction progresses, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services has committed to continually assess efficiencies and overall project performance.
The target date for the substantial completion of the new prison is set for mid-August 2028, with Hausmann having 1,110 days to finish the project. A spokesperson from the company indicated that a meeting with state officials is planned for Friday to discuss pre-construction details.
The new facility is designed to provide increased bed capacity, dedicated space for inmate programs, and enhanced safety features for staff. Nebraska’s Correctional Services director highlighted that the bids received were significantly lower than those seen in other states for similar prison construction projects, which showcases a positive trend in local bid competitiveness.
While the new prison project gets underway, Hausmann Construction is simultaneously dealing with legal challenges in Iowa concerning the Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center project. They are currently involved in litigation over claims of non-payment and damage to their reputation stemming from the project.
To date, the state has invested $33.8 million in the prison project. This initial expenditure has covered essential aspects such as land acquisition and design services provided by the Omaha-based design firm DLR Group.
The construction of the new prison is expected to alleviate some of the challenges posed by an aging correctional facility system in Nebraska, providing sufficient space for programs aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates back into society. The overall goal of this initiative resonates with the state’s commitment to improving its correctional facilities and enhancing public safety through better management of its inmate populations.
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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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INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
