Sept. 19, 2025:
South Dakota lawmakers meet in special session in Pierre Tuesday (Sept. 23, 2025) to determine the path forward for building a new men’s prison adjacent to the current state penitentiary campus in Sioux Falls.
Project Prison Reset Task Force Chairman Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen says the new prison would replace the old facility that’s “up on the top of the hill.”
Venhuizen says South Dakota is in a good financial position because not only did the state set aside money for this project, but also the change of location from the site in Lincoln County to the site in Sioux Falls is expected to save $154.2 million in taxpayer money.
Venhuizen says the state’s other men’s correctional facility locations are in fairly good condition.
State lawmakers killed the prison proposal supported by Governor Larry Rhoden during this year’s regular legislative session, but Venhuizen thinks this new plan will get their approval.
Additionally, Venhuizen says, the plan has the support of many statewide criminal justice and law enforcement organizations.
This week (Sept. 17, 2025), the Governor’s Office released information about their plan to pay for the new men’s prison and held conference calls with state legislators to answer their questions ahead of Tuesday’s special session. The legislation requires a two-thirds majority vote from lawmakers to pass.
Rhoden Administration’s full new men’s prison plan: https://governor.sd.gov/doc/Prison%20Plan%20Packet.pdf.
Find information related to the funding plan for the new prison here: https://governor.sd.gov/doc/Mens-Prison-Slides.pdf.
Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the prison plan here: https://governor.sd.gov/priorities/PrisonFAQ.aspx.
Sept. 4, 2025:
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has released his draft proposal for a new men’s prison to be built in Sioux Falls.
Rhoden says now state legislators have about three weeks to strategize for the special legislative session later this month (Sept. 23, 2025) in Pierre.
Rhoden says the Project Prison Reset task force put together a solid proposal.
Rhoden looks forward to working with legislators to get the prison bill passed.
Rhoden says the 140-year-old State Penitentiary must be replaced. He says now that there’s a good site, a good plan, the money to pay for it and the legislation to authorize it, it’s time to get the process moving forward.
From central South Dakota, Senator Mark Lapka from Leola and Senator Jim Mehlhaff from Pierre were both members of the Project Prison Reset task force.
Click here to see the proposed legislation. It was drafted with consultation from legislative leadership, members of the prison task force and the Legislative Research Council.
Find an outline of the draft legislation here.
Click here to see a Frequently Asked Questions website about the plan for the new men’s prison.
Aug. 11, 2025:
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden announced that the third-party consultant for the prison task force ranked the Benson Road site as the best prison location among the options under consideration. The analysis was done by Arrington Watkins, the prison task force’s independent consultant.
“If you followed the prison task force, you know that our consultant did an analysis of the Lincoln County site and five alternative sites, based on several criteria, and scored the Lincoln County site the highest,” said Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen. “The Benson Road site, though, had not been offered at that time and was not scored. The prison task force’s consultant has analyzed this new site and now considers the Benson Road site to be the best site available.”
Arrington Watkins cited the following as prime attributes contributing to the Benson Road site’s favorable rating:
- It is within a preferred 30-mile radius of Sioux Falls;
- Site utilities, including water, sewer, storm, and power, are available along Benson Road;
- Multiple points of entry exist; and
- Minimal additional costs will be needed to extend utilities.
Rhoden previously announced that the State of South Dakota has entered into a purchase agreement that grants the State the option to purchase land at the Benson Road site. This agreement represents over $10 million savings on what was estimated by the prison task force.
Aug. 8, 2025:
The State of South Dakota has entered into a purchase agreement that grants the State the option to purchase land at the Benson Road site. This agreement represents over $10 million savings on what was estimated by the prison task force.
“South Dakota needs a new prison to keep our people safe, and we are moving forward with delivering a proposal that prioritizes safety and conservative fiscal stewardship,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “We appreciate the Legislature’s continued attention to this project, and we are excited to deliver this as efficiently as possible for South Dakota taxpayers.”
The land in question is approximately 148 acres in northeast Sioux Falls along Benson Road (the “Benson Road site”). The State of South Dakota will only complete the purchase if approval to acquire the site is granted by the South Dakota Legislature.
If the purchase of the Benson Road site is approved by the Legislature on September 23, 2025, the Lincoln County site would no longer be owned by the State. As private property, any agricultural use or development of this land would be subject to county zoning.
“Residents of Lincoln County should be excited about the opportunity to regain control over what happens to that land,” said Sen. Ernie Otten (R-Lincoln County), who served on the prison task force. “I look forward to working with my fellow legislators to get this project across the finish line.”
The Benson Road site will represent millions of dollars in savings on utility development costs compared to the Lincoln County land, as there will be no need for a water tower, long sewer line, or other expenses. The purchase of the new Benson Road site also represents a more-than $10 million savings on the previous estimate by the prison task force. The purchase price is to be paid as follows:
- Cash payment of $12.5 million dollars for the Benson Road site, plus
- Exchange of the previously proposed Lincoln County land with an estimated agricultural value of $4.5 million.
July 21, 2025:
South Dakota legislators will be back in Pierre Sept. 23, 2025, for a special session to decide on the details of building a new men’s state penitentiary.
In his letter calling the special session, Rhoden said consensus needed to be established for a plan that a supermajority of the legislature can agree on and he believes “we are in good shape to achieve that.” He said the purpose of this session is to consider and pass a law to authorize the Department of Corrections to do everything necessary to move forward with this project.
When the Prison Reset Task Force was announced by Governor Larry Rhoden in February, they were tasked with answering three questions:
- Do we need a new prison?
- How big should it be?
- Where should it go?
Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen, who chaired the prison task force, said the group’s unanimous vote for its recommendation demonstrates that they have found a good site for a new penitentiary and a strong path forward.
The special session will begin Sept. 23 at 9am CT.
The special session is called pursuant to Article IV, Section 3 of the South Dakota Constitution.
February 24, 2025:
An effort to reconsider a bill that would provide some of the funding needed to build a new men’s state prison south of Sioux Falls failed on a tie vote Monday (Feb. 24, 2025) in the South Dakota House of Representatives.
The vote on House Bill 1025 ended in a 35-35 tie, causing it to fail. On Friday, the measure went down by a 34-35 vote, but Rep. Tim Reisch (rye-sh) of Howard— a former Department of Corrections secretary and proponent of the project– returned to the chamber Monday.
Though Reisch was a yes, and Rep. Brian Mulder of Sioux Falls flipped to a yes for reconsideration, Rep. Roger DeGroot of Brookings voted against the measure, forcing the tie vote. DeGroot told the South Dakota Broadcasters Association after the bill’s failure that he voted “nay” on accident.
“I voted wrong by mistake,” DeGroot said moments after. “I have supported this thing all the way.”
HB 1025 in its original form gave clearance to the remaining funds to be transferred into the incarceration construction fund and begin construction in Lincoln County. The bill was amended after proponents realized they did not have the two-thirds votes required to push it through.
February 21, 2025:
(South Dakota Broadcasters Association)- The South Dakota House rejected a bill Friday (Feb. 21, 2025) that would have transferred $148.1 million toward a new men’s prison in Lincoln County, voting 34-35 against the measure.
House Bill 1025, stripped of its original construction authorization through an amendment, would have added funding for the proposed $825 million facility planned between Harrisburg and Canton.
“We’ll have roughly $790.1 million available for the prison project, but we have separated the funding from the construction while we analyze and discuss the overall project,” amendment sponsor Rep. Jack Kolbeck, R-Sioux Falls, said.
Rep. Will Mortenson of Fort Pierre, defended the spending.
“This prison isn’t a want, it’s a need,” he said. “I’d much rather be giving this money back to taxpayers, but we need to build this facility.”
Rep. Aaron Aylward, R-Harrisburg, voiced concerns about the site selection.
“Some folks woke up one morning, read in the newspaper that this thing was going in their yard, and they’ve been fighting it like crazy,” he said.
Rep. Peri Pourier, D-Rapid City, questioned whether the state should examine the root causes of incarceration.
“We don’t have enough money to feed our kids in the summertime,” she said. “They are hungry, they are trying to fill their own way out, and what does that look like?”
Rep. Mary Fitzgerald, R-Spearfish, cited public safety concerns regarding recent violent crimes.
“No one wants to build a prison, no one wants to spend the money, but I’m sorry, people continue to hurt other people,” she said.
Rep. Liz May, R-Kyle, emphasized fiscal constraints.
“We argue back and forth here over a few million dollars for this and a few million dollars for that,” she said. “I really don’t want to build a billion-dollar prison.”
The Department of Corrections requested the new facility to replace the aging state penitentiary in Sioux Falls.
The amended bill would have freed up approximately $34 million to fund other needs in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
The legislature is approaching one of its most important deadlines–“Crossover Day.” Tuesday, all bills from the house of origin must be passed or killed. This deadline puts additional pressure on legislators to devise a solution or compromise on prison funding.
Bill supporters asked for reconsideration of the measure on Monday.
February 13, 2025:
The South Dakota House State Affairs Committee voted 12-1 this week (Feb. 12, 2025) to send House Bill 1025 to the House Appropriations Committee, with no specific recommendation made on funding for the project.
Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko defended the $825 million project.
Nearby residents criticized the location choice and what it would mean for the future growth of Lincoln County– which has the state’s fastest population growth rate. One of those people was construction company owner Mike Hoffman, who questioned the functionality of the location where the prison will be built.
The state will pay $10.5 million to the city of Lennox to connect to its sewer line, after the Harrisburg City Council rejected a similar offer.
Rep. Spencer Gosch of Glenham was the one vote against sending HB 1025 to House appropriations with a neutral recommendation. Gosch told the South Dakota Broadcasters Association that the project “stands against everything I stand for. The project clearly displays reckless planning, reckless spending, and complete disregard for the people of South Dakota.”
Story courtesy of the South Dakota Broadcasters Association.
February 12, 2025:
Three South Dakota Law Enforcement associations have issued statements of support for the construction of a new men’s state prison in Lincoln County. The South Dakota State’s Attorneys Association, the South Dakota Sheriffs Association, and the South Dakota Police Chiefs Association agreed over the need for the new correctional facility.
“Thank you to all of our law enforcement for their continued dedication to protect the people of South Dakota,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “The construction of a new prison is one way that we can improve public safety. The condition of our current facility is unacceptable – it is gothic, outdated, and unsafe for inmates, staff, and the public. We cannot afford to continue operating under these conditions.”
“As law enforcement leaders dedicated to protecting our communities, we recognize the essential role that a well-functioning prison system plays in maintaining public safety,” wrote Jason Foote, South Dakota Chiefs Association President. “This funding is a necessary step towards ensuring a secure, rehabilitative, and well-managed environment for all stakeholders.” You can find the statement of support from the South Dakota Police Chiefs Association here.
“Much of the current facility is an unsafe environment for both guards and inmates,” wrote the South Dakota State’s Attorneys Association. “A new facility is needed to ensure both are provided with a more-safe environment.” You can find the statement of support from the South Dakota State’s Attorneys Association here.
The construction of a new correctional facility would be made possible through HB 1025, which authorizes the Department of Corrections to construct a prison facility for offenders committed to the Department of Corrections in Lincoln County.
“County jails are increasingly forced to house individuals sentenced to the state, filling local beds that are already in short supply,” wrote the South Dakota Sheriffs Association. “We support the construction of a new Department of Corrections facility to help address these critical safety and capacity issues.” You can find the statement of support from the South Dakota Sheriffs Association here.
The Associated General Contractors of South Dakota also supported HB 1025 in House State Affairs Committee Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2025).
January 29, 2024:
OCTOBER 6, 2023:
The South Dakota Department of Corrections (DOC) has agreed to purchase two 160-acre parcels of land in rural Lincoln County. This land provides a sufficient site plan for a new men’s prison to replace much of the current State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls.
“This site is the best choice for a modern correctional facility that supports our state’s public safety needs, minimizes the impact on community growth, and keeps us close to available workforce,” said Kellie Wasko, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Corrections. “We appreciate Governor Noem’s leadership, the Legislature’s financial support, and Commissioner Greenfield’s work to secure this land for the state’s public safety needs for generations to come.”
In both 2022 and 2023, the South Dakota State Legislature provided funding for the Incarceration Construction Fund for the purpose of constructing new prison facilities in South Dakota, including a new men’s prison. In 2023, the Legislature passed and Governor Noem signed HB 1017, which appropriated $52 million to purchase land and contract for architectural services, engineering services, and other required services to build a new men’s prison. That legislation also appropriated an additional $270.7 million for construction of the facility.
In July 2023, Governor Noem indicated, “we will be able to avoid unnecessary debt by using [the state’s $96.8 million budget surplus] for future prison construction costs.”
The land is located in rural Lincoln County on the western side of the corner of 477th and 278th street. The land is already owned by the state of South Dakota through the Office of School and Public Lands. State law allows School and Public Lands to transfer property to another government entity for the appraised value. The appraised value of both parcels has been set at a total of $7,910,000. Using land the state already owns is a financially responsible choice.
Commissioner Brock Greenfield acknowledged the historic role of the school and public land office: “This sale allows us to fulfill our constitutional duty to make money for education while providing a key public safety need for future.” The Office of School and Public Lands was established at statehood in 1889 just a few years after the current state prison was built in 1881.
Story courtesy of the South Dakota Broadcasters Association.
MARCH 2, 2023:
Spending bills authorizing over $380 million for new men’s and women’s state prisons passed the South Dakota Senate yesterday (March 1, 2023).
HB 1016, which allocates $60 million to construct a women’s facility in Rapid City, passed 32 to 1. The money comes from the state’s incarceration construction fund. Building a women’s prison in Rapid City would expand the capacity of the Department of Corrections to house and rehabilitate female offenders.
HB 1017, which allocates around $320 million in planning and purchasing land for a men’s facility in the Sioux Falls area, also passed 32 to 1. Approximately $217 million will go into the incarceration construction fund for work following the design phase. The remainder will be used for planning and the purchase of land.
The state still needs to decide where the new men’s facility will be built in the Sioux Falls area. The men’s prison would replace most of the current penitentiary campus in Sioux Falls. “The Hill” overlooking the Falls of the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls was built in 1881 when South Dakota was still a territory. The state has yet to decide how that facility– with its massive stone walls– could be used for other purposes or would be torn down.
There was no debate on either bill.
The bills now head to Gov. Kristi Noem for her consideration.
Story courtesy of the South Dakota Broadcasters Association.
FEBRUARY 27, 2023:
The South Dakota House passes two large spending bills for planning a new women’s prison in Rapid City and the planning and purchase of land for a new men’s facility in the Sioux Falls area.
HB 1016, the bill allocating $60 million for the women’s prison, passed 66 to 2, without debate. It now goes to a Senate committee.
However, HB 1017, which would provide around $52 million to purchase land for the men’s new facility and move nearly $184 million from the state budget reserve into a prison building fund, met some opposition.
“This is a core state obligation,” said Republican House Majority Leader Will Mortenson from Pierre. “We can’t say I wish it would go away or not do it. No one is happy with this. It will be safer for prisoners and rehabilitation. It will be safer for the guards.”
Republican Rep. Marty Overweg from New Holland said legislators should slow the process because of too many unanswered questions.
“This is government gone wild,” Overweg said. “It is an open checkbook. This will cost the taxpayers of South Dakota hundreds of millions of dollars.”
One legislator asked if the state could bond for the new prison. However, HB 1017 prime sponsor, Republican Rep. Tony Venhuizen, said the state could only bond up to $200 million. After that, the state would lose its triple-A bond rating.
According to the state Department of Corrections, the cost estimate for the new men’s prison is between $535 and $550 million. The funding bill passed 53 to 16.
HB 1017 will also now go to a Senate committee.
Story courtesy of the South Dakota Broadcasters Association.
FEBRUARY 22, 2023:
South Dakota Legislative appropriators passed two bills today (Feb. 22, 2023) that provide new or continuing funding to build a women’s prison in Rapid City and a new men’s prison in the Sioux Falls area.
HB 1016, allocates $60 million for the first phase of the design and development of the new women’s facility in Rapid City.
HB 1017, allocates over $340 million for the first two phases of design and construction for the men’s facility in Sioux Falls. The current state penitentiary in Sioux Falls was built in 1881.
South Dakota Correction Secretary Kellie Wasko says the Sioux Falls prison no longer serves its purpose, needs repairs and is unsafe for staff and inmates. She says the original prison–“The Hill”–was built for single occupancy cells. Now, most cells house “multiple” inmates in them.
As to the women’s prison, Wasco said the current design has three, 96-bed housing units. When asked if the prison could add more space, she said they could expand upward another story or two, but they’d need more staff to do it. She said modern prison design is on one level, which is easier to manage and staff and safer for inmates and employees.
Currently, Wasko says all of the state’s prison facilities are over capacity or nearly so. She says the Corrections Department expects prisoner numbers to continue increasing because of the state’s population growth, particularly on the men’s side. She says new facilities will allow for better programming and better separation of classes of inmates.
Both appropriation bills passed on 17 to 0 votes. They now go to the House floor.
Story courtesy of the South Dakota Broadcasters Association.
FEBRUARY 1, 2023:
Members of the Joint Committee on Appropriations of the South Dakota legislature heard more about issues in the state prisons.
Corrections Department Secretary Kellie Wasko says they hold more prisoners than the system is designed for.
Wasko says the penitentiary in Sioux Falls is not safe for staff or prisoners.
Wasko says told the committee that land they bought in Rapid City for a new prison won’t work for the initial design.
Wasko also detailed their ongoing staffing issues in Pierre, Sioux Falls and Springfield.
The Joint Committee on Appropriations is working through the Corrections Department’s budget requests.
(Story courtesy of news partner WNAX.)
Why don’t we stop arresting so many people? Or at least make minor offenses not have jail time. Save money on public defenders too. Minor crimes should be a fine, not a court case. Major offenders – Rehabilitate and help them get a job, instead of paying for them to live off of the people in an expensive crappy cell. Our SD Legislature just wants to fund more attorneys and build more jails. Solve the problem, don’t increase it!!
Wow keloland had an article that said prisoners are being treated in human! That’s pretty fucked up, that our society worries more about child molesters, murders, & drugs!!!!!! What a great way to spend our tax dollars !!!!