Work Underway on New State Correctional Facility in North Lincoln

LINCOLN–(KFOR Aug. 28)–Ground has officially been broken to make way for a new state prison on more than 1,500 acres of land near 70th and Bluff Road on the far northeastern fringe of Lincoln.

State leaders on Wednesday scooped up dirt to signify the start of building the $370-million facility, which will be a maximum and minimum security campus.

“In addition to meeting the highest standards for safety and security, this facility will also provide opportunities for education, skills training, programming — things that are necessary as NDCS continues to pursue its Reentry 2030 initiative, launched this year,” said Gov. Jim Pillen. “Features of the new facility will benefit those who are incarcerated as well as the public servants who work there.”

This facility will replace the Nebraska State Penitentiary, which serves as the oldest facility in the NDCS system.  The facility’s age and configuration have made it difficult to operate as a modern correctional facility.

“Today is an important day for our agency, the state of Nebraska and the future of corrections,” said NDCS Director Rob Jeffreys. “The innovative, energy-efficient and sustainable design elements of this facility will create an environment for safe and transformation rehabilitation, as well as reduce long range operational costs and provide staffing efficiencies.”

Work on the new state prison should be completed by May of 2028.