The Arkansas Board of Corrections has officially taken a pivotal step in the long-anticipated development of a new state prison, voting to proceed with two construction firms—Nabholz and JE Dunn—as the recommended contractors for the project.

The decision, made during a Thursday meeting, moves the state closer to realizing its plans for a modern correctional facility. Although Franklin County is currently the proposed location, board members were deliberate in wording the motion to maintain flexibility in case the prison site changes.

Board Chairman Benny Magness expressed confidence in the contractor selection, highlighting the value of a partnership between a reputable Arkansas-based firm and an experienced national company. “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.

A committee had previously conducted an extensive review process to evaluate potential contractors before making its recommendation to the full board. During the meeting, representatives from both Nabholz and JE Dunn presented their portfolios, outlining past experience with correctional facilities and other large-scale institutional projects.

Nabholz, an Arkansas-based construction company, has worked on numerous public sector projects across the state. A representative from the company emphasized their commitment to bolstering the local economy during the building phase, saying the team plans to utilize local dining, lodging, and services in Franklin County.

Board member Dr. William “Dubs” Byers clarified the language of the motion to ensure continuity if site plans are altered. “We’re not approving right now saying that they’re going to build a prison in Franklin County,” Byers said. “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?”

Thursday’s vote approves the recommendation of Nabholz and JE Dunn for the construction of the new state facility, but it does not finalize the prison’s location. This approach allows the board to continue contract negotiations without committing to a specific site until all considerations are finalized.

The proposed prison has generated both political and public attention in recent months. Some community and tribal groups, such as the Chickamauga Nation, have voiced concerns over the proposed Franklin County site, citing cultural and environmental issues. Meanwhile, other stakeholders argue the facility is urgently needed to address overcrowding and outdated conditions in existing state prisons.

Despite differing opinions on the location, board members stressed the urgency of moving forward with contractor agreements to avoid delays in the project timeline. The partnership between Nabholz and JE Dunn brings together both local insight and national expertise, potentially streamlining the path toward construction once final approvals are granted.

With the vote now on record, the board will begin negotiations with the two companies, a process expected to determine project timelines, budget details, and key deliverables.

As Arkansas continues to address rising incarceration rates and aging prison infrastructure, the outcome of this project could have lasting implications for public safety, the justice system, and economic development in whichever community ultimately hosts the facility.

Originally reported by Caroline Derby in Yahoo News.