LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Board of Corrections has voted to move forward with Nabholz and JE Dunn as contractors for the state’s new prison project, marking a significant step forward in the construction process.
Board Chairman Benny Magness said he believes the state is getting the best of both worlds with these two companies partnering together. A small committee went through the process of finding a contractor, and then recommended their decision to the full board for approval.
“Not only did we get a state company to participate, and a good state company, but also a national company that is well versed in prison construction,” Magness said.
During Thursday’s meeting, representatives from both Nabholz and JE Dunn detailed their previous work on prison and other large-scale construction projects. A Nabholz representative also emphasized the company’s intent to support the Franklin County economy by using local dining, lodging and other services during the construction phase.
Board members were cautious in their wording of the motion to approve the contractors, wanting to make sure they don’t have to go through this process again if the prison site changes.
“We’re not approving right now saying that they’re going to build a prison in Franklin County,” said Dr. William “Dubs” Byers, a board member. “Wherever it is, wherever the new prison is, right now we understand it is in Franklin County and probably will be but, if something does change, then we don’t have to go back through the process, do we?”
The motion was to approve the recommendation of these contractors for a new state prison facility.
With Thursday’s vote, the board now enters into contract negotiations with Nabholz and JE Dunn.
The next board meeting is in late May.