LINCOLN — The State of Nebraska is one step closer to embarking on perhaps its most expensive construction project in history.

On an 8-0 vote, with one member absent, the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee voted Thursday to recommend a final transfer of $95.8 million to complete the funding of a new, 1,500-bed prison in eastern Nebraska.

That final funding would bring the total cost of the facility to nearly $366 million, which would likely set a record for construction of a single state project. Initial cost estimates of $270 million for the new prison have risen steadily because of inflation, and the $365.7 million total includes $14.9 million already spent on design and engineering work.

Two key senators on corrections issues indicated Thursday that they will oppose spending for a new prison unless funds are devoted to increasing job opportunities and improving rehabilitation of inmates.

“I hope we find money in the budget for re-entry programs and economic development that prevents people from going to prison,” said State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, who chairs the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee, the committee that deals with prison issues.

Fellow Omaha Sen. Terrell McKinney, also a member of the Judiciary Committee, also indicated that he was opposed to the new construction.

The spending must be approved by the full Legislature and signed by Gov. Jim Pillen, who had requested the final funding for the much-delayed prison in his proposed budget.

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