(Sioux Falls, SD) — South Dakota moves closer to a new men’s state prison as the Project Prison Reset task force backs a 650-million-dollar plan for Sioux Falls. The group met Tuesday and unanimously voted to recommend a 15-hundred-bed prison at either proposed site near Bahnson Avenue or Benson Road with the 650 million price cap. Fourteen site options were reviewed, but none met the original 600-million-dollar goal. Two sites in Mitchell and Worthing were cut over lack of public support. Some lawmakers voiced concern about the cost, but task force chair Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen says the state may not get another chance to invest like this. The plan now heads to the legislature with a special session expected soon for a vote.
