March 3, 2025

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Corrections, in consultation with Vanir Construction Management, today announced that the estimated maximum cost of the new, 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County is $825 million. A copy of Vanir’s letter to the Department announcing this estimate is HERE.

To authorize that spending, Budget Chairmen Senator Jonathan Dismang (District 18) and Representative Lane Jean (District 99) filed companion appropriation bills for $750 million. Another $75 million was already approved by the General Assembly as part of Act 95. The State has already directed $405 million in funding toward the total $825 million cost estimate.

“This estimate lets us move forward quickly on the long-overdue prison project and build a safer, stronger Arkansas. I look forward to working with our partners in the legislature to get this appropriation passed,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

“This estimate allows us to move quickly toward breaking ground on the Franklin County prison and building the long-overdue, 3,000-bed facility we know our state needs,” said Arkansas Department of Corrections Secretary Lindsay Wallace. “We look forward to working with the Governor and legislature to secure the resources we need to build the prison and create a safer, stronger Arkansas.”

We have worked closely with Governor Sanders and the legislature to facilitate the construction of a new prison and are happy to be taking the next step in that important process,” said Chairman of the Arkansas Board of Corrections Benny Magness. “Everyone knows we need a new prison to address our state’s prison bed shortage, and I look forward to working with legislators to secure the funding necessary to build this facility quickly.”

“This appropriation is a clear commitment to keeping our communities safe. By addressing overcrowding and making sure we have the resources needed, we’re not just building a new prison—we’re investing in a stronger, safer future for all Arkansans,” said Speaker of the House Brian S. Evans (District 68).

“Time and again, the Arkansas legislature has stood up for safer, stronger communities and ending our state’s prison bed shortage. This appropriation will give our state the resources we need to get that done and I look forward to leading it to approval in my body,” said Arkansas Senate President Bart Hester (District 33).

“I’m grateful for Governor Sanders’ leadership ensuring repeat violent offenders stay off our streets and Arkansans are safe,” said Arkansas Legislative Council Co-Chair Senator Ben Gilmore. “This prison couldn’t come soon enough and it’s critical we get this funding approved so we address the prison bed shortage in our state.”

“Arkansas needs a new prison and we need it built as quickly as possible. I look forward to working with the Governor and my fellow legislators to secure the appropriation the state needs to move forward on the current prison project and build a safer, stronger Arkansas,” said Arkansas Legislative Council Co-Chair Representative Les Eaves (District 58). 

“Government has no greater duty than the protection of its citizens. By securing this appropriation, while maintaining a proper level of oversight, we will build a safer, stronger Arkansas for generations to come,” said Co-Chair of the Joint Budget Committee Senator Jonathan Dismang (District 18).

“I championed the Protect Act alongside Governor Sanders because we know in order to keep our communities safe, we must keep repeat violent offenders off the streets. The only way to do that is by ending Arkansas’ chronic prison bed shortage and I look forward to supporting this appropriation in the legislature,” said Representative Jimmy Gazaway (District 31). 

“Arkansas cannot afford to delay the construction of the Franklin County prison any longer. As law enforcement officers from every corner of the state, the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association knows that the only way to create a safer, stronger Arkansas is by addressing our chronic prison bed shortage. We appreciate Governor Sanders and our legislators for their support of this long-overdue investment in public safety,” said Arkansas Sheriffs Association Executive Director Scott Bradley.

“We are grateful that Governor Sanders is taking bold, decisive action to build a new prison and address Arkansas’ prison bed shortage and we look forward to working with our legislators to get this appropriation passed. We must end the cycle of catch-and-early-release in our communities and build a safer, stronger Arkansas,” said Arkansas County Judges Association President, Greene County Judge Rusty McMillon.

Once these funds are appropriated, the State can work with the Owner’s Representative to move forward with drawing up in-depth plans for the prison and breaking ground as soon as possible.

Governor Sanders announced the purchase of an 815-acre plot in Franklin County to build the new prison in October of last year, at a total cost of $2,950,000. The parcel offers the infrastructure needed for a new prison, including cell reception, water lines, electricity, and a nearby fire department, and is also close to more than 100,000 working-age adults who could staff the new facility. The property is large enough to offer privacy to both neighbors and inmates.

The one-time investment in Franklin County is estimated to create thousands of jobs, and once the prison is complete, it will employ nearly 800 individuals at an average salary of more than $46,600, based on estimates, and will enhance Charleston’s roads, utilities, and infrastructure.

Arkansas currently has a shortage of more than 3,000 prison beds, requiring the state to spend almost $30 million each year to house inmates in county jails. Governor Sanders and her administration have worked to open up nearly 1,500 prison beds to address this problem, but the shortage will persist until a new prison is built. In addition to burdening county governments with the challenges of long-term incarceration, the prison bed shortage also denies inmates the opportunity to access evidence-based programs in state prisons that fight addiction, promote mental health, and reduce recidivism.

February 19, 2025
By Kat Balster – Correctional News

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Corrections and Arkansas Board of Corrections have released a request for qualifications for professional architectural services for the construction of the new state correctional facility in Franklin County, Ark. The request was issued Feb 13.   

This milestone is the latest in a series of steps taken by the state to advance the project, which aims to address the need for additional correctional beds. The facility will accommodate an estimated 3,000 beds, relieving pressure on county jails that are currently overcrowded. The state spends nearly $30 million annually on housing expenses for inmates. The new prison is also expected to expand programming focused on mental health treatment, addiction recovery and recidivism reduction. 

Architects interested in the project must respond to the qualification request by March 18. Interviews with the top teams are scheduled for mid-April, with a final team selection expected by the end of June 2025. The request outlines the state’s preference for a team with extensive experience on correctional and detention projects of similar scale, complexity and function. It also considers local experience and the qualifications and availability of team members who will work closely with state agencies. 

“Following approval from the Board of Corrections to proceed with the RFQ process for the new facility in Franklin County, we’re eager to begin the next phase of this project as it moves from discussions to tangible planning,” said Rand Champion, communication director for the Arkansas Department of Corrections, on behalf of the agency. 

The land for the prison, located in Charleston, Ark., was finalized for purchase in October 2024 for $2.95 million. The 815-acre site is equipped with necessary infrastructure, including cellular service, water lines, electricity and access to a local fire department. However, the decision to locate the facility in Charleston was met with controversy from local residents. 

“This new facility will help end our failed system of catch-and-early-release and protect our communities by keeping violent offenders off our streets,” said Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in a statement. “It will offer hundreds of permanent, recession-proof jobs and millions of dollars in investment.” The new facility is expected to employ nearly 800 people and contribute to improvements in Charleston’s roads, utilities and infrastructure. 

The selected architectural firm will be responsible for developing the project budget, which is currently estimated at $400 million to $470 million. The firm will oversee the project from pre-planning, provide designs with milestones at schematic design, design development and final construction documents. The scope of work will also include coordinating contract administration, working with the selected contractor to ensure adherence to the approved design through the end of construction, comprehensive programming and design services, and contract administration for the development of a new State Correctional Facility. The state contracted with Sacramento, Calif.-based Vanir Construction inc. as the owner’s representative for this project.

The goal of the project is to promote community safety and recidivism reduction, ensure safe and humane treatment of inmates, meet and exceed national standards and foster healthy interactions among staff and inmates. 

Speaking on the need for the facility, Arkansas Secretary of Correction Lindsay Wallace noted that the department’s mission is provide safety and hope for Arkansans, but that cannot be accomplished without adequate bed capacity.  

“Working with Gov. Sanders, our department has opened more than 1,100 prison beds to alleviate our state’s longstanding bed shortage, and we plan to open hundreds more soon,” Wallace said. “With this new facility, we will add even more beds and deliver on our promises to the people of Arkansas.” 
Correctional News plans to follow the progression of this project from the selection of the team through the expected completion of the project in 2028.