Lincoln County Requests More Information on South Dakota’s New Men’s Prison Plan
Officials in Lincoln County, South Dakota have expressed their need for more information regarding the state’s plans to build a new men’s prison. The Lincoln County Commission is requesting additional details from the South Dakota Department of Corrections (DOC), stating that they were not given advance notice or information about the project.
In a news release, the Lincoln County Commission emphasized the importance of receiving further information in order to address the concerns of their community and adequately prepare their Planning and Zoning Department for the proposed facility. The new prison is planned to be located in Dayton Township, southwest of Harrisburg.
The state intends to purchase approximately 300 acres of state-owned land for the new prison. The appraised value of the land is estimated at around $8 million. The DOC announced their intention to buy the land just hours after the appraised value was set by the South Dakota Board of Appraisal on October 6.
According to DOC spokesman Michael Winder, the search for a suitable location for the new prison took 15 months and involved public requests for information about potential land sites near Sioux Falls. He also noted that the current prison’s proximity to residential areas is a concern, as over 2,000 people live within half a mile of the facility. However, the number of residents within half a mile of the new land is expected to be in the single digits.
The Lincoln County Commission Office has reportedly received numerous inquiries from community members seeking information about the new prison. As a result, a formal request has been made to the DOC Secretary on behalf of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners, urging for more information about the facility.
The existing prison in Sioux Falls, which was constructed in 1881, occupies around 30 acres and is allegedly overcrowded and outdated beyond repair. State officials and a recent study have cited these issues as the main reasons for building a new men’s prison. Winder emphasized that the current prison does not meet modern correctional security standards and is unable to expand due to the surrounding development in Sioux Falls.
Regarding concerns about utilities and infrastructure, Winder assured that the state is willing to cover the expenses. Furthermore, building the new facility on state-owned land is seen as fiscally responsible, ensuring efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
The Lincoln County Board of Commission is scheduled to convene on October 24 to discuss this matter further. Additionally, the Lincoln County Planning and Zoning Commission will meet on Monday, and the DOC plans to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for a new women’s prison in Rapid City.
The construction of a women’s prison in Rapid City is expected to address the overcrowding problem at the current women’s prison in Pierre, as highlighted in a memo from the Bureau of Finance and Management.
