Lancaster County, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Lancaster County commissioners have made substantial progress on plans for a new prison facility with approval for utility companies to start engineering work. The projected cost for the new jail is over $400 million, and it will cover 430,000 square feet on a 77-acre site in Lancaster Township. Construction is expected to begin late 2026, with the facility planned to open by early 2029. Skanska USA has been contracted to manage the construction, which aims to replace the aging Lancaster County Prison.
Lancaster County
The Lancaster County commissioners have made significant headway in their plans for a new prison facility, with a measure recently approved to allow utility companies to initiate engineering work. This new jail project is projected to cost over $400 million and will comprise an estimated 430,000 square feet on a 77-acre site in Lancaster Township. The county is now preparing for construction, which is anticipated to begin in late 2026, a schedule pushed back by two years due to an extended design phase.
With the construction set to unfold slowly, the timeline remains uncertain. It has been nearly three years since the county first sought bids for an architect. The county commissioners, while hopeful, have referred to the construction timeline as “an open question.” Bids for construction firms may be released in 2026, with the facility possibly slated to open by early 2029.
To facilitate the construction efforts, a $7.4 million contract has been granted to construction management firm Skanska USA. Skanska will oversee the construction schedule, manage costs, and ensure safety protocols are adhered to on-site. Their expertise is considered vital to navigating the complexities involved in such a substantial project.
The existing Lancaster County Prison, which has been in operation since the 1850s, grapples with aging infrastructure, including ineffective heating and cooling systems. The new facility aims to accommodate 1,050 beds as a replacement for the aging prison, which has faced increasing pressure due to its inadequate conditions.
In addition to its primary purpose, the Lancaster County Chiefs of Police Association has recommended that the new jail incorporate a central booking component, intended to streamline processes for law enforcement. As part of the design guidelines, upcoming presentations will introduce a basic “sketch plan” for the prison to the Lancaster Township Planning Commission, which will request a waiver to fast-track the land development approval process.
The planning and design stage of the prison has been a multi-year endeavor, with the county allocating approximately $19 million for the planning efforts so far and anticipating an additional $10 million in expenditures for the ongoing phase of the project. Though discussions within the community relating to the new prison have decreased over the past year, the county continues to prioritize thorough planning and financial reporting to prepare for moving forward.
The Lancaster County correctional landscape is on the brink of a transformational change. As the new facility’s development progresses, stakeholders and the community at large remain hopeful that a modern, efficient jail will emerge to address both current needs and the challenges posed by aging infrastructure.
Key Features of the New Prison Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $400 million+ |
| Size | 430,000 square feet |
| Location | 77 acres in Lancaster Township |
| Bed Capacity | 1,050 beds |
| Construction Management Firm | Skanska USA |
| Groundbreaking Anticipation | Late 2026 |
| Projected Open Date | Early 2029 |
FAQ
What is the cost of the new prison project?
The new prison project is projected to cost over $400 million.
When is the groundbreaking for the new facility expected?
Groundbreaking for the new prison is anticipated for late 2026.
How many beds will the new facility have?
The new facility is planned to have 1,050 beds.
Who is managing the construction of the new jail?
Skanska USA has been contracted to manage the construction of the new jail.
What are the current challenges of the existing Lancaster County Prison?
The existing Lancaster County Prison is facing multiple issues such as aging systems and lack of air conditioning.
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Additional Resources
- Lancaster Online: $400 Million Lancaster County Prison Project
- Wikipedia: Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
- Lancaster Online: Lancaster County Commissioners Contract
- Google Search: Lancaster County Prison Project
- WCNC: Lancaster County Breaks Ground on Detention Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lancaster County Pennsylvania
- PMG SC: Lancaster News
- Google News: Lancaster County Prison
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