Corrections Secretary begins work to close the deal with lawmakers

Kellie Wasko.

PIERRE, SD (KELO.com) — South Dakota Corrections Secretary Kelly Wasko paid her first visit of the year to legislators in Pierre this morning, but it won’t be her last.  She’s hoping to win approval of the construction of a new 825-million dollar men’s penitentiary between Harrisburg and Canton.  Wasko admits the facility would be close to capacity on day one, but without it there could be devastating consequences.

Secretary Wasko says the new men’s prison would allow proper management of inmates within the system, which isn’t possible now.  Legislators have set aside 763-million dollars for the facility in recent years.