News Summary
Construction has commenced on a new 1,512-bed prison in Lincoln, Nebraska, intended to replace the outdated state penitentiary. The project, funded by a $350 million state appropriation, is being carried out by Hausmann Construction, which submitted the lowest bid. The new facility aims to address the state’s correctional needs with enhanced safety features and additional programs for inmates, with a projected completion date set for mid-August 2028.
Lincoln, Nebraska Begins Construction of New 1,512-Bed Prison to Replace Aging State Penitentiary
Construction has officially begun on Nebraska’s new state prison in Lincoln, with preliminary groundwork observed on Wednesday. The facility is set to have 1,512 beds and is intended 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, 2023, allowing for the commencement of construction efforts. These early activities included cutting weeds and grass to prepare the designated site for the new facility.
Hausmann Construction, a Lincoln-based contractor, was awarded the contract after submitting the lowest bid of $313.3 million. Competing bids for the project included a joint venture of Sampson Construction and Caddell Construction at $344.3 million, and another from Clark Construction and MCL Construction at $341 million.
Project Specifications and Timeline
The new prison is to be situated north of Interstate 80, adjacent to North 70th Street, and is expected to enhance Nebraska’s capacity in handling inmates. Funding for the project is provided by a $350 million appropriation from the Nebraska Legislature, with a commitment that the project will remain within budgetary constraints.
Hausmann has been given 1,110 days to achieve substantial completion of the prison, with a targeted completion date of mid-August 2028. A Hausmann representative indicated that a meeting is scheduled for Friday to discuss pre-construction arrangements with the State.
Improvements and Safety Features
The new facility aims to provide additional beds, more space for inmate programs, and enhanced safety features for staff members working within the prison environment. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services director, Rob Jeffreys, has noted that the bids for this construction came in considerably lower than the costs reported for similar prison projects in other states.
Financial Overview and Current Expenditures
As of now, Nebraska has allocated $33.8 million towards the prison initiative, which covers expenses for land acquisition and design services provided by the Omaha-based firm, DLR Group. The Department of Correctional Services has indicated that they will continue to assess efficiencies throughout the construction phase.
Legal Challenges Faced by Contractor
While construction on the new prison is underway, it is important to note that Hausmann Construction is also entangled in a lawsuit concerning the Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center project in Iowa. The lawsuit alleges issues related to non-payment and damage to their reputation by involved parties.
As the construction progresses, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services is keenly monitoring project developments and efficiency, aiming to fulfill the pressing need for a modern and secure correctional facility. This new prison represents a significant step forward in addressing the state’s correctional needs and providing improved safety for both inmates and staff.
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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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