Prison Task Force Approves $650M Sioux Falls Plan

Project Prison Reset Task Force Considers New Men's Prison in Sioux Falls

The Project Prison Reset Task Force recently met to discuss the potential construction of a new 1,500-bed men’s prison in Sioux Falls. While the task force agreed on not spending more than $650 million for the project, they did not formally select a plan for a site in Sioux Falls. The construction manager at risk and the design team will now need to develop a plan for a 1,500-bed facility with 1,200 cell beds and 300 dorm-style beds.

Key Considerations and Challenges

The task force aims to ensure that the project is designed for a 100-year lifespan. The motion to limit spending to $650 million was passed unanimously by those present at the meeting. Two members were excused from the vote. The task force had initially asked a consultant to design a plan for a 1,500 to 1,700 bed facility for no more than $600 million. However, the discussion evolved to focus on the $650 million recommendation.

The difficulty of getting legislative approval for a prison project led to the formation of the task force. Previously, the House rejected fully funding an $825 million project for 1,500 beds in Lincoln County between Harrisburg and Canton.

Legislative Approval and Budget Constraints

“There was no appetite to go over $650 million in the legislature,” said task force chairman Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen. Task force member Rep. Jon Hansen noted that the Tuesday recommendation is an improvement from what was presented in the legislature. However, he acknowledged that the legislature would need certainty that the project could be completed within the $650 million budget.

One of the 14 options presented was a 1,500-bed facility with 1,200 cell beds and 300 dorm-style beds at an estimated cost of $724 million on property owned by Sweetman Partners in northeastern Sioux Falls. Hansen pointed out the challenge of fitting a $650 million project into a $724.6 million plan.

Task force member Judge Jane Wipf Pfeifle expressed concerns about the arbitrary nature of the $600 million and $650 million figures, stating that she believed it was a poor fiscal choice. Despite this, she voted in favor of the motion.

Site Selection and Public Concerns

A site in northeastern Sioux Falls emerged as the frontrunner for a prison site. The site is owned by Sweetman Partners LLP. Consultants recommended a $637.4 million plan for an 1,188-bed cell facility for this site near North Bahnson Avenue and Gage Brothers. However, this site does not meet the task force’s requested bed range of 1,500 to 1,700 beds.

Several task force members raised concerns about the price, while others suggested considering options with slightly higher costs. Rep. Mike Derby of the joint committee on appropriations noted that the legislature has set aside money for a prison project, including funds from the state’s unclaimed property fund and COVID-19 relief money.

Impact on Local Communities

Sioux Falls City Council member Rich Merkouris and Minnehaha County Commissioner Joel Kippley emphasized the need for the state to support programs that help inmates and those released from prison. Merkouris highlighted the importance of addressing public concerns about safety and the impact of a prison on the community.

Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead also stressed the need for the state to invest in support programs if the prison is located in the heart of Minnehaha County. He noted that several task force members had questions about the size of any possible prison project and the cost of similar projects in other states.

Comparisons to Other States

The task force discussed prison projects in other states, such as Nebraska’s planned prison project, which received a $313 million bid for a 1,512-bed facility. Venhuizen and consultants suggested that the Nebraska project likely uses different materials with a shorter lifespan, as it does not include a new intake area, which South Dakota’s designs do.

The task force also considered the possibility of building multiple sites versus a single site. Consultants noted that using multiple smaller sites typically results in higher costs due to duplicated services such as recreation space and dining.

Future Steps

The task force will send its recommendation to the legislature. The final decision will depend on the ability to secure legislative approval and address concerns about cost, security, and the impact on local communities. The task force continues to work toward finding a solution that balances fiscal responsibility with the needs of the Department of Corrections and the broader community.

The Project Prison Reset Task Force remains focused on ensuring that the chosen plan meets the long-term needs of the state while staying within budget constraints. As discussions continue, the task force will need to navigate complex challenges to deliver a viable solution for the future.