WEC on radar for expansion

McCOOK, Neb. -- The new head of the Nebraska Department of Corrections unveiled his road map for the future last week and the report appears to indicate the McCook Work Ethic Camp is being given serious consideration for future expansion.

"This strategic plan will serve as a road map for the agency's work in the coming months and years," said Director Scott Frakes in an accompanying press release.

The plan outlines team building and culture changing goals, as well as an action plan for achieving those items, before ending with a 6-year capital construction plan. It prioritizes two construction projects during the 2016-17 fiscal year, construction of 160 female community custody beds at the Community Corrections Center in Lincoln and consolidation of the Lincoln Correctional Center and the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center.

The CCCL project will provide a net increase of 48 female beds and 100 males beds.

The LCC consolidation would be coupled with the addition of more than 300 beds for behavioral health, geriatric and long-term medical needs. The program statement describes a $186 million project and will include options for a phased construction approach, according to the report.

Following the two fiscal year 2016-17 construction projects, Frakes strategic plan provides seven construction projects for consideration during fiscal year 2018 through 2021. At the top of the list is expansion of the McCook Work Ethic Camp.

The Work Ethic Camp project calls for considering the addition of 100 minimum custody beds and reducing the existing dormitory capacity to 160 beds, from 200 beds. The plan would increase core services to support an operating capacity of 260 minimum custody beds.

Director Frakes was appointed by Gov. Pete Ricketts earlier this year. The strategic plan is available online at: http://www.mccookgazette.com/files/frakes-strat-plan-2015.pdf