Arkansas Approves $750M for New 3,000-Bed Prison in Franklin County

Arkansas approves $750M funding for the new Prison in Franklin County.

The Arkansas General Assembly’s Joint Budget Committee has approved a bill that authorizes $750M in spending authority for the state Department of Corrections to construct a new 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County. The project is part of the state’s broader effort to address capacity issues in its prison system.

Legislative Approval and Funding

The Joint Budget Committee approved Senate Bill 354 by Sen. Jonathan Dismang (R-Searcy) on Thursday. The measure, which moves forward for legislative passage by both houses, requires a three-fourths majority vote in the Senate and House of Representatives.

To date, the Department of Corrections has received $75 million in state appropriations toward the project. Additionally, lawmakers and the governor allocated $330 million to a restricted reserve fund for the new prison in the 2023 regular session. While the total cost of the project will be in the range of $825 million, SB354’s passage provides the necessary appropriations to allow construction planning to move forward.

Project Details and Oversight

The 3,000-bed prison will be located in Franklin County and ought to be one of the largest prison investments ever in state history. Earlier this month, Vanir Construction Management Inc., a Sacramento-based firm, told the Department of Corrections of the estimated costs. The department signed an agreement worth $16.5 million with Vanir in October to oversee the project and serve as a go-between for the state and the final construction firm.

Next Steps

As the appropriations bill moves forward, lawmakers and state leaders will continue to negotiate plans for funding the remaining costs of the project. Full funding approval and the naming of a construction firm will be key milestones before the project’s official groundbreaking in fiscal year 2026, which begins July 1, 2025.

The latest addition is a big step forward in Arkansas’ effort to expand its prisons. With funding and construction negotiations still underway, the project remains at the top of the list for policymakers and stakeholders with a stake in the state’s criminal justice system.

$750M Approved Funding for the New Franklin County prison: Project Factsheet

Project: 3,000-bed correctional facility in Franklin County, Arkansas

Total Budget: $825 million

$75 million in secured state funds

$330 million allocated to restricted reserve fund

$750 million spending authority approved by Joint Budget Committee

Legislative Status: Senate Bill 354 advanced by Joint Budget Committee, requires three-fourths majority vote in both chambers for final approval

New Prison in Franklin County Timeline: Construction planning to begin upon full legislative approval; groundbreaking expected in FY2026 (starting July 1, 2025)

Project Management: Vanir Construction Management Inc. ($16.5 million contract) serving as project overseer and liaison

Purpose: Address capacity issues within Arkansas correctional system

What next: Secure remaining funding, select construction firm, finalize construction details