(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
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Sabetha woman arrested in business burglary
Severe storms move through NE KS
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Severe storms reported Tuesday in NE KS
Meriden man bound over on rape charge
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
Commission approves agreement for budget help
Council hears report from golf course
Beef Barn replacement planned in Jefferson Co
NVCH receives $415,000 grant for expansion project
LATEST STORIES
Road, railway repairs, underway in Atchison this week
KS replacement plates see long wait times
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
One injured in Holt County MO wreck
Field survey set in Brown Co at U.S 77/K-20 junction
Severe storms reported Tuesday in NE KS
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
Pawnee County Rural Health Clinic participating in DHHS program
Local students participation in Peru State research expo
Meetings to help with Homestead Exemptions scheduled in Johnson County