Governor Rhoden Updates Prison Plan FAQ After Legislative Meetings
- Steve Jurrens
- Sep 13
- 1 min read
Northeast News SD - Watertown, SD - Governor Larry Rhoden today announced an update to the state's prison plan, including a revised Frequently Asked Questions page. The updates follow two teleconference meetings with over 70 state legislators to provide clarity on the proposed plan.
The governor stated that the new prison is essential for public safety and that the task force has provided a "sound path forward". "We have a good plan, a good site, and the money to pay for it. Now it is time to make the plan a reality," said Governor Rhoden.
The full plan, released earlier this week, outlines a new men's correctional facility in Sioux Falls with an estimated value of $650 million. According to a letter from JE Dunn Construction and Henry Carlson Construction, the facility is designed to have a 100-year lifespan and will be situated on a 176-acre site on Benson Road. The new facility would have a total of 1,488 beds, including 1,188 cell beds and 300 dorm beds.
The Benson Road site was ranked as the top site by an independent consultant and is projected to be built for $175 million less than an alternate Lincoln County site. The previously proposed Lincoln County site was estimated at $825 million and offered 1,512 cell beds on 160 acres.
Cost reductions for the Benson Road plan include significant savings in soft costs, site costs, and building costs, achieved through design changes such as a revised housing concept and a change to the mechanical system.
