South Dakota State Penitentiary. KELO.com New file photo.
PIERRE, SD (KELO.com) — One issue South Dakota lawmakers will wrestle with this year is the location of a new men’s penitentiary. Governor Kristi Noem recognizes the stiff local opposition in Lincoln County, but says a lot of research went in to selecting a site near Harrisburg.
A group of Lincoln County landowners has filed a lawsuit, saying the state hasn’t been transparent in its search for a location. Among their concerns, the impact it would have on development. Governor Noem says that’s an argument that doesn’t stand up to evidence.
The Governor says building a new prison isn’t a want, it’s a need because of the aging current facility, which she says has outlived its useful life.
The 320-acre site is owned by the Office of School and Public Lands. It’s valued at eight million dollars.
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