New $350 million prison outside of Lincoln to replace state pen

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – An outdated Nebraska State Penitentiary will be replaced by a new $350 million facility east of Lincoln.

On Thursday, Gov. Jim Pillen announced the construction of the new facility, which is set to begin sometime in fall 2024.

“This new multi-custody facility will be state of the art,” Pillen said, “increasing the safety, enhancing the environment of both the staff and the incarcerated population.”

The facility is going to be built near 112th and Adams streets, just southeast of the Lancaster Event Center, and will have 1,500 beds.

That’s 300 more beds than the state pen.

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Corrections Director Rob Jeffreys said 70 sites were considered for the prison.

This location was selected due to its easy access to Interstate 80 and Highway 6 for future employees and inmates’ families.

“It shortens the ride from those folks who are located out there to Omaha city to come and see their loved ones,” Jeffreys said.

Once the new prison is complete, the staff at the Nebraska State Penitentiary will be transferred over.

And due to outdated infrastructure, Pillen said the state pen will be decommissioned.

The penitentiary is one of the oldest facilities in the state’s prison system.

It’s had its share of problems in recent years, from broken water pipes to general operation troubles.

“With its age and condition, it’s extremely difficult to operate as a modern correctional facility,” Pillen said. “It is not feasible to make modifications any longer.”

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Critics say the new prison will not solve the state’s overcrowding problem.

In a press release, the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska said it’s calling for “smart justice reform” rather than a new prison.

For the last three years, Nebraska’s prison system has been in an overcrowding emergency.

When asked about overcrowding, Jeffreys said the department will work to “stabilize” the inmate population.

Lincoln City Councilman James Michael Bowers took to Twitter to express his disapproval of the facility.

“Northeast Lincoln needs a hospital, not a prison,” he said.

When asked if residents in the area were consulted, Pillen said officials talked to the city.

“Bottom line is the city has opinions on what is best for them,” he said. “And we as a state and protecting the state, we’ve got positions. And we respect each other’s positions.”