PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — Kyah Broders, who owns land near the proposed site of a new men’s prison between Harrisburg and Canton in eastern South Dakota, is president of the group NOPE, an acronym which stands for “neighbors opposing prison expansion.” Broders spoke Tuesday at the state capitol during a meeting of a joint committee on appropriations.
“Services the prisoners need, including legal representation, specialized medical needs, rehabilitative services, social services beyond Lincoln County’s capability will require the incarcerated individuals to be transported with correctional officers to and from the city of Sioux Falls, all at the added expense of the South Dakota taxpayer,” Broders said.
As of June per the DOC, $569 million has thus far been dedicated to the 1,500-bed project.
“I think we all know that the old prison has to be replaced, and we know that’s going to be expensive,” Republican Rep. Tony Venhuizen of Sioux Falls said Tuesday at the committee meeting.
“We will come back next legislative session with our guaranteed maximum price in hand and say this is how much money we’re asking to appropriate for the construction of the men’s facility,” South Dakota Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko said Tuesday at the meeting in front of lawmakers.
Wasko says the new men’s prison will positively impact the whole state.
“It’s going to stabilize all of the facilities within the state because by definition a level five facility can house all levels,” Wasko said.
Overall, it’s an ongoing story that promises to have the attention of lawmakers and the general public well beyond 2024.
“I don’t want to lose sight of the fact, whether you’re incarcerated or you’re living in close proximity, these are people that we’re talking about,” Democratic Rep. Linda Duba of Sioux Falls said Tuesday at the meeting.
South Dakota’s 100th legislative session starts on Jan. 14, 2025.
