Proposed Franklin County prison site to get archeological study
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The 815-acre site Arkansas purchased for nearly $3 million where the proposed prison is to go. Photo: Worth Sparkman/Axios
A cultural resource study is likely to be done on the site of the proposed controversial Franklin County prison project to look for artifacts, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette first reported.
Why it matters: Members of the Chickamauga Nation claimed ancestors could be buried on the 815-acre site and called for the state to do an archeological survey in March.
State of play: The state Department of Corrections (DOC) said a desktop study comparing the property and surrounding area to records from the Arkansas Archeological and Survey, the Automated Management of Archeological Site Data in Arkansas and the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program revealed no previously recorded archaeological or historical sites there.
- However, in its 2025 project update, the DOC said the architecture and engineering firm hired for the project is beginning its work and the "next phase is likely to include a cultural resource study, including on-site archeological work."
What they're saying: "The plan for on-site work would include engagement with the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the State Historic Preservation Officer so these agencies can provide their opinions and approvals," the update reads.
- "Those would potentially include Federal consultation with select [Native American] Tribes for review of plan and scope."
The big picture: Supporters of the 3,000-bed prison point out that Arkansas prisons frequently have more inmates than capacity, so Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and former Gov. Asa Hutchinson worked to increase the state's ability to house inmates.
- Many Franklin County residents oppose the prison's proposed location, citing poor infrastructure, challenging topography, a lack of workforce and fear of declining land values.
Catch up quick: It's estimated the prison will cost $1 billion or more and would be one of the largest investments shouldered by taxpayers in recent state history.
- The state Board of Corrections approved a $16.5 million contract with California-based Vanir Construction Management to oversee the project in October.
- The board approved hiring HDR Inc. of Nebraska and Cromwell Architects Engineers of Little Rock for the prison's design in mid-April.
General contractors' bids and proposals to build the project were due in late April, and interviews were to be conducted on May 7.
- The state department of Transformation and Shared Services denied Axios' request for a list of contractors, citing exemption from the state's Freedom of Information law while proposals are in review.
The intrigue: The state didn't secure a proposed $750 million in spending authority during the legislative session, but does have access to $75 million previously allotted to the Department of Corrections.
- It's not yet clear if Sanders will call a special session later this year to seek spending authority. She said after lawmakers' business was mostly done after the session that the prison was still a "big priority" and "I am confident that we'll get it done."
What's next: A special meeting with the Board of Corrections is set for Thursday afternoon. The top agenda item is to select a general contractor.