Lincoln, Nebraska, August 7, 2025
News Summary
Construction has commenced on a new state prison in Lincoln, Nebraska, set to feature 1,512 beds and replace the outdated Nebraska State Penitentiary. Hausmann Construction is overseeing the $312,259,000 project, expected to be completed by mid-August 2028. This initiative aims to modernize correctional facilities while enhancing safety and rehabilitation opportunities for inmates. Funded by a $350 million allocation from the Nebraska Legislature, the project reflects the state’s commitment to improving its correctional system.
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – Construction is officially underway for a new state prison in Lincoln, marking a significant step in Nebraska’s efforts to modernize its correctional facilities. The new prison, which will feature 1,512 beds, aims to replace the aging Nebraska State Penitentiary.
The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services has entered into a contract with Hausmann Construction for a total of $312,259,000 to oversee the construction. The agreement was finalized on July 24, and initial work commenced last Tuesday with site preparation tasks, including cutting down weeds and grass.
Hausmann Construction, a Lincoln-based contractor, was selected due to its competitive bid of $313.3 million. Other proposals included a joint venture from Sampson Construction and Caddell Construction at $344.3 million and Clark Construction with MCL Construction at $341 million.
The new facility will be positioned north of Interstate 80, adjacent to North 70th Street in Lincoln. The project is funded through a $350 million appropriation from the Nebraska Legislature, which has provided assurances that the endeavor will remain within budget as construction progresses.
Hausmann Construction has been given a timeline of 1,110 days to substantially complete the prison, with an estimated completion date set for mid-August 2028. To facilitate the construction process, a pre-construction meeting with the state is scheduled to take place on Friday.
This new prison initiative is designed to not only expand bed capacity but also enhance safety measures for staff and create more opportunities for inmate programs. The director of Nebraska’s Correctional Services noted that the bids for this project came in significantly lower than those of similar prison constructions in other states, suggesting a level of cost efficiency.
As construction activities unfold, it is important to note that Hausmann Construction is concurrently involved in legal disputes regarding the Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center project in Iowa, which concerns claims of non-payment and reputational damages. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services remains committed to reviewing project efficiencies throughout the construction phase.
To date, Nebraska has invested approximately $33.8 million in the prison project, which encompasses expenditures for land acquisition and design services provided by the Omaha-based firm DLR Group. This investment reflects the state’s strategic commitment to revamping its correctional system and addressing ongoing issues associated with the current penitentiary.
Project Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | North of Interstate 80, adjacent to North 70th Street, Lincoln |
| Capacity | 1,512 beds |
| Contractor | Hausmann Construction |
| Contract Value | $312,259,000 |
| Timeline | 1,110 days for substantial completion |
| Estimated Completion Date | Mid-August 2028 |
| Total Investment to Date | $33.8 million |
| Funding Source | $350 million appropriation from Nebraska Legislature |
Background Context
The aging Nebraska State Penitentiary has faced scrutiny over the years for its inadequate facilities and inability to meet the demands of modern correctional practices. The state has recognized the need for a more effective and humane approach to incarceration, evident in the decision to construct a new facility equipped with modern safety features and the capacity for inmate rehabilitation programs.
This new prison construction project comes as part of a broader strategy by Nebraska to improve its correctional infrastructure while managing costs effectively. As the state moves forward, officials aim to establish a facility that promotes a rehabilitative environment for inmates while ensuring the safety of staff and the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of the new prison in Lincoln?
The new prison will have a capacity of 1,512 beds.
Who is responsible for the construction of the new prison?
Hausmann Construction has been awarded the contract to oversee the construction.
When is the expected completion date for the new prison?
The target completion date for the new prison is mid-August 2028.
How much funding has been allocated for this construction project?
The project is funded by a $350 million appropriation from the Nebraska Legislature.
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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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