Bill setting aside some $250 million for men’s prison clears legislature

South Dakota Representatives Thursday passed a bill appropriating over $250 million  in state and federal funds toward the construction of a new men’s prison.

SB49 passed 58-11 and now goes to Governor Kristi Noem for her signature, having earlier cleared the Senate.

Representative Tony Venhuizen of Sioux Falls says the bill sets money aside for a facility that could cost over $700 million.

He says it does not commit to a specific location or cost. The planned site is in rural Lincoln County between Harrisburg and Canton.

Some legislators are concerned about taking money from the state’s reserves and putting it in special prison construction fund. They’re also concerned about rising costs.

March 1, 2024