KDOC asks lawmakers to consider $453 million Hutchinson replacement as population projections show bed shortfall by 2028

Secretary Zamuda told the House Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice on Jan. 14 that a 2022 facility assessment of Hutchinson Correctional Facility rated the site "fair to poor" and recommended replacement rather than renovation.

The department presented an estimated replacement cost of about $453,000,000 and said that, if bonded, the annual debt service could be about $32,500,000 for 20 years. The replacement project would add roughly 400 beds, the department said, to meet projected population growth.

Nut graf: KDOC told the committee that aging facilities and outdated designs — including cells that are substantially smaller than American Correctional Association guidance — are driving a capital request that would materially increase the agency's debt service and capacity. Committee members were given a timeline showing male capacity could hit current limits as early as 2028 and female capacity in late 2026 or 2027 if current trends continue.

KDOC’s presentation traced Hutchinson’s history: initial construction in the late 19th century with additions in 1906 and a modern designation as Hutchinson Correctional Facility in 1990. The secretary noted mechanical systems and building components are old, some areas lack air conditioning, and aspects are not ADA-compliant. He quoted the 2022 assessment: "Overall, the condition of the facility is fair to poor and due to various stages of decline, total renovations would be costly." That report also recommended replacement for facilities more than a century old.

The department also outlined other capital priorities requested in its five-year plan: a support services building at the Topeka women's facility (funded in the current session and entering design), demolition and new warehouse work at Lansing, replacement or renovation of a downtown Wichita work-release site, a centralized staff training center, a vocational building for the juvenile facility and replacement of a housing unit at Norton. The department said it currently receives about $4.3 million annually from the Correctional Institution Building Fund and that an additional $4 million appropriation last year helped address backlogged repairs.

Representative Kevin Schwertfeger asked whether the newer satellite units near Hutchinson would remain in use if the main facility were replaced. Secretary Zamuda said the department’s preference would be to replace and co-locate where practical but that cost pressures could force selective refurbishing instead.

Ending: The committee did not vote on capital requests during the briefing. Members will consider the department's estimates and projections as they review budget and bonding options for the session.