FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (19-11)

CONTACT Laura Strimple, Chief of Staff

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | laura.strimple@nebraska.gov

March 22, 2019 (Lincoln, Neb.) Today, Director Scott Frakes joined Governor Pete Ricketts in opening a state of the art, 160-bed female living unit at the Community Corrections Center-Lincoln (CCC-L).

“This expansion and renovation increases overall capacity to 660 beds for men and women at CCC-L,” said Director Frakes. “In addition to providing much needed bed space, it provides core services and employment opportunities through the addition of a new industrial kitchen, health care clinic, maintenance area, workshop, and outdoor landscaping.”

Director Frakes said the new unit serves as a model for current standards in community correctional centers. “This addition puts Nebraska at the forefront in terms of how correctional centers are designed and how women are managed in correctional settings.”

Speaking to invited guests at the open house, Governor Ricketts thanked state senators for their continued support for capital improvements to the state’s prison system. “Director Frakes, our corrections officers, and the entire NDCS team have been doing an outstanding job of charting a new course for the agency. This facility adds to capacity and allows inmates to be housed by gender, which was identified as a top priority for NDCS.”

CCC-L is one of two community corrections centers operated by NDCS. Community custody is the lowest custody level and the least restrictive NDCS facility. Individuals are allowed to participate in work opportunities, attend school, religious services and other pro-social activities with prior approval and without direct supervision.

The new female living unit features case management work spaces, classrooms, personal laundry facilities, indoor and outdoor recreation areas and an outdoor playground for children. Additional visitation space will allow women to reconnect with family members and friends who will support them post-release.

“Kingery Construction is privileged to partner with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services on this important Community Corrections Center project,” said Rick Wintermute, vice president of Kingery Construction. “It provides a safe facility for a positive transition to becoming productive members of our community.”

Women will move into the new facility starting April 1. The project cost $21 million and came in under budget. Those savings have been reinvested to help fund a new 100-bed unit at the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) as well as other infrastructure needs. “We must continue to build on this momentum,” said Director Frakes. “The governor has included in his biennium budget the agency’s request for $49 million, which will allow us to add 384 beds high security beds to the Lincoln Correctional Center (LCC). This new project will provide bed space suitable to house inmates that present the highest risk to staff and others.  

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