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April 12, 2021Omaha, Neb. |  By: AP

Nebraska sets stage for new prison, stops short of approval


OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska lawmakers have set the stage for a new, $230 million prison even as other states close theirs, but they stopped short of fully endorsing the idea.

Lawmakers gave first-round approval to $14.9 million in state funding that would allow the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services to start designing and planning for a prison to house 1,512 inmates and relieve chronic overcrowding.

The measure includes $18 million to add bed space for inmates who are elderly, have mental health issues and those with special needs.

The Legislature's budget-writing Appropriations Committee agreed to set aside $115 million - half of the new prison's cost - but members held off on approving the money until they know more about their options.