Lincoln, Nebraska, August 7, 2025
News Summary
Construction is officially underway for a new state prison in Nebraska, which will feature 1,512 beds and replace the aging Nebraska State Penitentiary. The project, backed by a $350 million budget from the Nebraska Legislature, has contracted Hausmann Construction for $312 million. Initially, clearing activities are taking place at the Lincoln site, with hopes to complete the facility by mid-August 2028. The new prison aims to enhance inmate programs and improve safety features, addressing current capacity and safety challenges in the state’s correctional system.
Lincoln, Nebraska – Construction has officially begun on Nebraska’s new state prison, which will boast 1,512 beds and is slated to replace the aging Nebraska State Penitentiary. Early signs of construction were noted at the site on Wednesday, with initial activities including the clearing of weeds and grass to prepare for further building efforts.
The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services finalized a significant contract with Hausmann Construction, a local company in Lincoln, valued at $312,259,000. The contract was finalized on July 24, with Hausmann selected due to their bid being the lowest submitted at $313.3 million. Other bids included a joint venture of Sampson Construction/Caddell Construction at $344.3 million and Clark Construction/MCL Construction at $341 million.
Located north of Interstate 80 and adjacent to North 70th Street, the new facility is part of a broader initiative backed by a $350 million appropriation from the Nebraska Legislature. State officials have expressed confidence that the project will be completed within budget. Hausmann Construction is expected to substantially complete the facility in approximately 1,110 days, targeting a completion date around mid-August 2028.
To discuss pre-construction details, a meeting with state representatives is scheduled for Friday. The new prison is designed not only to increase bed capacity but also to enhance inmate programs and improve safety features for staff members. Nebraska’s Correctional Services director, Rob Jeffreys, noted that bids for this project came in well below the typical costs for prison construction observed in other states, indicating effective budget management and project planning.
As construction progresses, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services plans to continuously evaluate project efficiencies. To date, the state has already allocated $33.8 million toward the prison project, which includes expenses related to land acquisition and design work conducted by the Omaha-based DLR Group.
On a side note, Hausmann Construction is currently involved in a legal dispute concerning the Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center project in Iowa. The company claims that they have not received payment and allege reputational damage due to the actions of other parties involved in that project. Nevertheless, the focus for Hausmann at this time remains on the new prison project in Nebraska.
As the construction of this significant facility gets underway, the state’s correctional infrastructure is set to see improvements aimed at addressing both capacity issues and safety concerns, which have been critical challenges in recent years.
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of the new prison in Nebraska?
The new prison is designed to replace the aging Nebraska State Penitentiary, providing more beds and improved safety features, as well as space for inmate programs.
2. How many beds will the new prison have?
The new facility will have a total of 1,512 beds.
3. How much is the total cost of the new prison project?
The total cost of the project is approximately $312,259,000, as per the finalized contract with Hausmann Construction.
4. When is the expected completion date of the new prison?
The target completion date for substantial completion is set for mid-August 2028.
5. Who is responsible for the construction of the new prison?
The construction is being handled by Hausmann Construction, which won the contract as the lowest bidder.
Key Project Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Bed Capacity | 1,512 Beds |
| Total Cost | $312,259,000 |
| Location | North of Interstate 80, adjacent to North 70th Street, Lincoln |
| Funding Source | $350 million from Nebraska Legislature |
| Target Completion Date | Mid-August 2028 |
| Initial Spending | $33.8 million on land acquisition and design work |
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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
