One of the largest topics facing state lawmakers this two-month long legislative session is the fate of a new men’s prison near Sioux Falls.
During a recent press conference, Republican House and Senate leaders expressed differing opinions on how soon it could get built.
A bill to authorize construction of the 1,500-bed facility will get heard by the House State Affairs committee — a group comprised of legislative leadership.
Some say the House Republican caucus is skeptical of the project as is.
“Personally, I think the prison is going to have a harder time getting something done this year. I don’t think it will," Rep. Marty Overweg. "I might be wrong, but just taking the temperature of a lot of legislators. But, everything could change.”
Some lawmakers are concerned about the location in Lincoln County as well as the $825 million dollar price tag.
The state has already purchased a design and the land.
“I mean, that project is well on it’s way," said state Sen. Jim Mehlhaff, R-Pierre. "In my opinion, derailing it will only add to the cost.”
For years, lawmakers have tucked away hundreds of millions of dollars to construct a new facility. The current men’s prison was built before statehood.
The state is currently $250 million short on fully funding the project. It wants to use a combination of interest and unique, one-time dollars to avoid bonding to finish it.
A hearing to authorize construction of the facility has not been set.
