LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska officials are looking to build new prison space to ease chronic overcrowding that's expected to worsen over time, the state corrections director announced Tuesday.
Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director Scott Frakes said he plans to seek more information about possible new construction projects. One idea is a facility built by a private developer and leased to Nebraska until the state eventually owns it.
"This is a first step to examine what options are out there," Frakes said in a statement. "We will be focusing on medium to maximum custody options in a location that has the population to support required staffing."
Frakes faced questions earlier this month from lawmakers who voiced concern that Nebraska's inmate population will continue growing and outpace the state's efforts to add more space.
Frakes said he doesn't yet know how much any new construction projects would cost.