Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen announced on Thursday the long-anticipated launch of a cutting-edge prison facility that aims to reshape the state’s corrections approach.
The new Nebraska prison, estimated to cost $350 million, will feature 1,500 beds and is slated for construction northeast of Lincoln
The chosen site, located near 112th and Adams Streets, was secured with a $17 million investment for an expansive 300-plus-acre area. At a press conference held at the Capitol, Pillen detailed that construction of the new Nebraska prison is scheduled to commence in the fall of 2024, with architectural plans entrusted to the DLR Group.
During the announcement, Governor Pillen expressed his enthusiasm for the new Nebraska prison, emphasizing its potential to establish a national benchmark in offender rehabilitation. He stressed that this venture signifies the state’s commitment to addressing societal debts and reintegration. Accompanying Pillen was Rob Jeffreys, recently appointed Director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, who highlighted the meticulous site selection process, considering more than 70 potential locations. The decision to position the new Nebraska prison just outside Lincoln’s limits was partly influenced by workforce considerations.
The new Nebraska prison is set to replace the aging Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln, a development that will involve transferring both inmates and staff
The anticipation is that the new Nebraska prison will employ around 1,000 personnel, offering a positive impact on the local economy. With its strategic proximity to Lincoln and Interstate 80, the new Nebraska prison aims to enhance inmates’ engagement with programming and maintain familial connections. This step aligns with the broader goal of facilitating successful reintegration into society for the state’s inmates.
Despite its merits, the new Nebraska prison hasn’t been without controversy. City officials and residents have expressed concerns about its location, with some hoping for investments in other services like healthcare. Legislators, like Sen. Rob Clements, welcome the new Nebraska prison as overdue and budget-approved, yet acknowledge potential worries tied to inflation’s impact on costs. Amid differing viewpoints, the new Nebraska prison emerges as a pivotal and multifaceted initiative in the state’s criminal justice landscape, addressing challenges of overcrowding and antiquated facilities while sparking conversations around the larger context of rehabilitation and reform.
READ ALSO: Scott Shaw Faces Justice After Decade Of Accusations
Leave a Reply