Arkansas Department of Corrections says Franklin County prison will cost $825 million
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Arkansas Department of Corrections and Vanir Construction Management announced on March 3 that the 3,000-bed prison planned for Franklin County will cost $825 million.
According to a press release, to authorize spending on the prison, Budget Chairman Senator Jonathan Dismang (R-Little Rock) and Rep. Lane Jean (R-Magnolia) filed companion appropriation bills for $750 million. Another $75 million was already approved by the Arkansas General Assembly as part of Act 95. The state has already directed $405 million in funding toward the $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 Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
The release says once the 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.
Sanders announced on Oct. 31 that the state had bought property to be used for the prison for $2.95 million.
The plan to build a new prison has caused controversy in Franklin County.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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