Franklin County Prison Plan Moves Forward as DOC Website Releases Key Outlines

It has been nearly a year since Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced plans to build a new 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County. Since that announcement, the project has frequently made headlines due to its massive investment, allegations of corruption, local opposition, and controversies surrounding review committees and the vacant Senate seat on the proposed site.

Despite bipartisan criticism, Sanders and her team have continued to move the project forward. As the initiative progresses, the Arkansas Department of Corrections has updated its website with a dedicated page outlining key aspects of the Franklin County prison, including the roles of the companies involved and the next steps in the process.

What’s New from the DOC

The Arkansas Department of Corrections (DOC) has maintained a web page on the Franklin County prison project since May 2025, providing regular updates. Recently, the agency added information sheets highlighting key points about the state’s need for a new prison and the roles of the companies involved in the project.

According to the DOC, the Franklin County site will be the first detention facility the state has constructed in more than 20 years. The master plan envisions 3,000 beds, with construction occurring in phases through 2029. The facility will follow a phased model similar to the Ouachita River Unit in Malvern, which was expanded over time.

Officials say the project is intended to relieve overcrowding in prisons and county jails, improve safety for inmates and staff, and reduce the need for county jail reimbursements, which reportedly total between $25 million and $30 million annually. The prison will be built on 815 acres of undeveloped land, chosen for its access to utilities, emergency services, and a regional workforce of more than 100,000 people.

“As part of the planning and construction process, there will be investment in local infrastructure as required,” the DOC states. State officials also note that the project is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Franklin County, including up to 800 permanent positions with an average salary of approximately $46,000.

The updates give a clear sense that the project is moving forward despite recent backlash, highlighting the state’s view of the prison as a necessary development.

Steps Ahead and Team Roles Set

Vanir Construction Management has been overseeing the Franklin County prison project for the Arkansas Department of Corrections under a $16.7 million contract. According to the DOC website, Vanir has developed a project management plan, established a baseline budget and master schedule, and conducted site studies.

JE Dunn and Nabholz will begin pre-construction activities and provide input on the project’s design. They will also offer feedback on cost, schedule, and constructability during the design phase and will lead phased construction once the designs are approved.

HDR and Cromwell Architects Engineers have been engaged for architecture and engineering, while JE Dunn Construction and Nabholz Construction have been selected as contractors. Contract approvals for HDR, Cromwell, JE Dunn, and Nabholz are still pending.

As per website, HDR and Cromwell will evaluate site and infrastructure options, provide engineered solutions for the water supply, continue advancing the design, and conduct site visits to ensure that construction aligns with the design intent.

See more on the website here.

Overlooked Protests and Criticism

Critics, including members of the Republican Party, have labeled the Franklin County site a “poorly selected location,” arguing that it does not meet the criteria for a prison and lacks resources.

Gravel and Grit, a local group formed to oppose the prison, presented their concerns to lawmakers in September. Adam Watson of Gravel and Grit stated that the site lacks essential infrastructure, nearby emergency services, a sufficient workforce, interstate access, and community support.

Even Arkansas legislators have expressed frustration and concern during a recent joint performance review committee, which Governor Sanders did not attend.  

Many critics have described Sanders’ approach to the project as reflective of her nearly three years in office, citing top-down decision-making, a lack of transparency, and an unwillingness to consider perspectives beyond her own. Despite ongoing opposition, potential challenges in upcoming legislative sessions, and upcoming polls, the DOC and Sanders appear determined to move forward.