By GRANT SCHULTEFebruary 17, 2021 GMT LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The director of Nebraska’s prison system unveiled plans Tuesday to convert the state’s oldest prison into a minimum-security facility for $4 million in new costs, but he said the plan would only work if lawmakers agree to build a separate, $230 million prison for higher-risk inmates. Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director Scott Frakes outlined the project to overhaul the Nebraska State Penitentiary as part of a larger effort to ease overcrowding in the state prisons. Lawmakers are considering the new prison proposal, but some have voiced concerns about the costs. ADVERTISEMENT The penitentiary in Lincoln is the state’s oldest prison, dating back to 1869, and houses a combination of maximum-, medium- and minimum-security inmates. State officials have said it’s nearing the end of its useful life, and will need significant upgrades regardless of whether lawmakers approve a new prison.