Gov. Larry Rhoden is accepting a request to delay a special session next month to consider the recommendation of a task force on where to build a new men’s prison.
Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen, who is chair of the task force, asked for the extension earlier this week.
“I will accept the task force’s request and will consult with legislative leadership on a rescheduled date for the special session," Rhoden said in a statement. "I’m eager to see what the task force can accomplish in their next meeting.”
The Project Prison Reset task force is awaiting proposals on possible 1,500 to 1,700 bed prison builds at four sites. The cost is not to exceed $600 million.
Construction preferences by the task force include a site in Mitchell, Worthing, as well as two spots near current prisons in Sioux Falls and Springfield.
Lt. Gov. Venhuizen said he expects the task force will review and consider the proposals at its next meeting on July 8 in Sioux Falls.
"It is my hope that at that meeting, the task force will coalesce around a specific proposal for the consideration of you and the Legislature," Venhuizen wrote in the letter.
Later, Venhuizen wrote he worries a special session scheduled for July 22 is too soon to provide state legislators with adequate detail about the project.
"Although we are making excellent progress, I write today on behalf of the task force to respectfully ask you to consider a delay in your target day of July 22," he wrote. "We do not feel that two weeks provides adequate time for a final proposal to be completed... prior to the special session."
Any idea needs two-thirds majority support in both legislative chambers before the state can start building a new facility.
