SD Legislature’s Joint Appropriations Committee approves $400 million for new men’s and women’s prisons

The Joint Appropriations Committee of the South Dakota Legislature approves some $341-million for a new state penitentiary for men.

Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko says it would be a 1500 bed maximum security prison and would likely be located in or near Sioux Falls.

Wasko says the current facility is not safe, having been built in 1881.

The initial appropriation is about $52-million dollars of the total for purchasing land and design services. Wasko says they’re looking for 130-160 acres. The DOC would return to the legislature next year for construction authorization.

The goal is to have the new men’s prison built by 2028.

The committee also approved $60-million for construction of a new women’s prison in Rapid City.

Both measures passed appropriations unanimously and now move to the House floor.

February 23, 2023