(KNZA)--The construction of a new federal penitentiary in Leavenworth is underway.
U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, along with Gov. Laura Kelly and others took part in a groundbreaking ceremony Monday morning.
According to Moran's office, Congress appropriated $532 million for the construction of a new facility and satellite federal prison camp to replace an antiquated structure constructed in 1897 that served as the nation's first maximum-security prison.
The new facility will be built on undeveloped land east of the existing facility.
Moran's office said construction will take place over a three-year period, with completion anticipated in May 2026.
The Kansas senator said the future prison complex is the second-largest federal investment in Kansas history — trailing only the $1.2 billion National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Atchison apt fire claim's toddler's life, injures others
Effingham woman killed Friday in Atchison wreck
One injured in Nemaha Co wreck
Wetmore man arrested on child sex-related charge
Walnut Township Treasurer removed; votes unofficial until canvass
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
Meteorologist Spencer: Geometric Watch means electronic disruptions
Street lights to be discussed at Monday city meeting
TX man to stand trial on charges in fatal Jackson Co crash
USD 430 Board accepts resignations, approves new hires
Local judge files for re-election
Atchison in running for national fireworks honors
BC's Pate remembered by students, college family
Bridge work begins Wed in Doniphan Co
Latest Brown, Doniphan Co filings
Truck fire at CGB facility in Falls City
Planned outage for Brown-Atchison Electric Tuesday
LATEST STORIES
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
Effingham woman killed Friday in Atchison wreck
Street lights to be discussed at Monday city meeting
Truck fire at CGB facility in Falls City
Bridge work scheduled for Atchison County MO
Meteorologist Spencer: Geometric Watch means electronic disruptions
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
Recycling program discussed at Doniphan Co meeting