South Dakota Approves $650M Prison in Sioux Falls
In a Sept. 24, 2025 special session, the South Dakota Legislature approved $650 million to build a new 1,500-bed men’s prison in Sioux Falls to replace an overcrowded penitentiary built 140 years ago. Gov. Larry Rhoden signed the measure; state officials say the modern facility will address inmate deaths, fights, drug smuggling and space for rehabilitation programs, with construction expected to take about four years.
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South Dakota to replace one of the country's oldest prisons
New information:
- South Dakota Legislature approved $650 million in a special session on Sept. 24, 2025.
- New facility: 1,500-bed men's prison to be located in Sioux Falls; current penitentiary dates to ~1885 (about 140 years old).
- Construction is estimated to take four years; the project is described as the state's most expensive taxpayer-funded undertaking since statehood.