South Dakota Voices Response: Kevin, thank you for joining the conversation. It is always good to have information on other states that did similar things. I agree, it is never wise repeat mistakes.
Email comments from KP: "Because they didn't want you to know. Missouri did same thing 20 years ago and now the prison system is dead broke in that state!"
I watched a video interview of Sen. Kevin Jensen acknowledging being informed the night before of the prison location. Nothing further to add to this well-written article except take their losses and pull the plug on this boondoggle.
Due process in spending public money is essential. To much is hidden here. Furthermore, no analysis was made about the various future funding commitments, especially when we live in a current environment where taxpayers want to greatly reduce or eliminate property taxes.
To all you "Likes", thanks for your affirmation. If you liked this, you might like the occasional short articles published in my substack, Concise Comments on our Times. Subscription is free for the current articles up to 12 weeks old. If you are in the Yankton area, I invite you to attend our Yankton GOP monthly meetings. The next one is 2/10/25 6:30 pm at the Riverfront Center.
South Dakota Voices Response: Cat, thank you for joining the conversation. This is important information. Could you give us specific information on that funding allocation. I was only able to find the allocations from 2023 and 2024. Those allocations are not close to $800 million.
Email comment from CM: "I find this is only telling half truths. The money has been budgeted with surplus for the extras. This is why people need to be involved in knowing what the representatives are doing. Attend town hall meeting, attend county commissioner meetings and check in weekly with what your state and US representatives are voting on. It is our duty as citizens."
I was told a year ago by someone who works at the prison that they were 100 guards short.I wonder how moving 25 miles out of Sioux Falls is going to improve that situation.
Thank you for the kind comment. We aren't a traditional reporting service. We like to talk about complicated and/or controversial topics and present information in a way that encourages discussion. In this case, there was some overlap. We are glad you liked the topic and the presentation on this one.
Taj Mahal schools,the county shed obscenity and now this.We are crossing the line between taxation and outright consfiscation and nobody seems to care.
Follow the money. Who is benefiting from this? This is one of the most corrupt and least transparent states. Anytime you have one party in charge for over 40 years it can lead to a lot of behind the scene deals and the majority just look the other way.
I suppose Noem will need someplace to house immigrants that get arrested. BTW have we ever been able to see what she put on the state credit card?
Excellent points about transparency. There are many groups within the Republican Party. At least one of those groups is well aligned with you on corruption and transparency.
There are already 8 state prisons in SD, followed by a whopping 26 county jails, soon there will be a new $7M 40-bed jail in Edmunds County, I hope it remains empty.
The State (we South Dakotan tax payers) paid $330K in 2021, the final DLR report was issued in 2022. It recommended to have multi-city-multi-locations rather than a new massive facility, in short 8 new multi-local prisons could house over 3000 beds could be built for ~ $600M. We don't need this many prison beds, the State of SD doesn't need to get into the prison business, appears the State leadership ignored the study.
How about using the State budget surplus to provid interest free loans to cities and Counties. Turn the former Presentation College campus into a trade school?
Loan the money to Edmunds County to build the new elementary school and new County jail with an interest free loan, rather than raise property taxes >40% in the last few years.
South Dakota has 26 jails in 66 counties. The jail population in 2022 was 2,549.
The Prison System
As of December 31, 2022, the number of prisoners under the jurisdiction of South Dakota correctional authorities was 3,444 located in 8 state prisons and held in custody of private prisons or local jails. State operated facilities had a staff of 611 employees and a budget of $85,545,446.
How did the estimated cost go from $270M to the current bloated cost?
The last paragraph, by Commissioner Brock Greenfield, his statement, saying this was a prison to make money to pay for the State education system. Looks like it was a "beds for Feds" plan all along.
Folks we may need to head over to Pierre and let the State reps know we do not approve, this is an abuse of power, it is a misuse of our State tax surplus.
Who in the hell wants a bunch of criminals, most likely they would be Fed prisoners, why would we import the worst messed up people into our state in an attempt to earn a few bucks?
Horrible idea, they State has no idea how to do this, no idea about operational cost, I think South Dakotans do know of the nasty societally impact this would bring.
The Article:
"The South Dakota Department of Corrections (DOC) has agreed to purchase two 160-acre parcels of land in rural Lincoln County. This land provides a sufficient site plan for a new men's prison to replace much of the current State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls.
"This site is the best choice for a modern correctional facility that supports our state's public safety needs, minimizes the impact on community growth, and keeps us close to available workforce," said Kellie Wasko, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Corrections. "We appreciate Governor Noem's leadership, the Legislature's financial support, and Commissioner Greenfield's work to secure this land for the state's public safety needs for generations to come."
In both 2022 and 2023, the South Dakota State Legislature provided funding for the Incarceration Construction Fund for the purpose of constructing new prison facilities in South Dakota, including a new men's prison. In 2023, the Legislature passed and Governor Noem signed HB 1017, which appropriated $52 million to purchase land and contract for architectural services, engineering services, and other required services to build a new men's prison. That legislation also appropriated an additional $270.7 million for construction of the facility.
In July 2023, Governor Noem indicated, "we will be able to avoid unnecessary debt by using [the state's $98.6 million budget surplus] for future prison construction costs."
The land is located in rural Lincoln County on the western side of the corner of 477th and 278th street. The land is already owned by the state of South Dakota through the Office of School and Public Lands. State law allows School and Public Lands to transfer property to another government entity for the appraised value. The appraised value of both parcels has been set at a total of $7,910,000. Using land the state already owns is a financially responsible choice.
Commissioner Brock Greenfield acknowledged the historic role of the school and public land office: "This sale allows us to fulfill our constitutional duty to make money for education while providing a key public safety need for future." The Office of School and Public Lands was established at statehood in 1889 just a few years after the current state prison was built in 1881.
Your articles and discussions want our household to learn more about this, especially since we're in Lincoln Co. Sneakery or "do now and ask forgiveness later" doesn't go over well. People are now engaged and paying attention more than ever.
South Dakota Voices Response: Kevin, thank you for joining the conversation. It is always good to have information on other states that did similar things. I agree, it is never wise repeat mistakes.
Email comments from KP: "Because they didn't want you to know. Missouri did same thing 20 years ago and now the prison system is dead broke in that state!"
I watched a video interview of Sen. Kevin Jensen acknowledging being informed the night before of the prison location. Nothing further to add to this well-written article except take their losses and pull the plug on this boondoggle.
Due process in spending public money is essential. To much is hidden here. Furthermore, no analysis was made about the various future funding commitments, especially when we live in a current environment where taxpayers want to greatly reduce or eliminate property taxes.
To all you "Likes", thanks for your affirmation. If you liked this, you might like the occasional short articles published in my substack, Concise Comments on our Times. Subscription is free for the current articles up to 12 weeks old. If you are in the Yankton area, I invite you to attend our Yankton GOP monthly meetings. The next one is 2/10/25 6:30 pm at the Riverfront Center.
Thank you for the recommendation and the invitation.
South Dakota Voices Response: Cat, thank you for joining the conversation. This is important information. Could you give us specific information on that funding allocation. I was only able to find the allocations from 2023 and 2024. Those allocations are not close to $800 million.
Email comment from CM: "I find this is only telling half truths. The money has been budgeted with surplus for the extras. This is why people need to be involved in knowing what the representatives are doing. Attend town hall meeting, attend county commissioner meetings and check in weekly with what your state and US representatives are voting on. It is our duty as citizens."
South Dakota Voices Response: Kathy, thank you for joining the discussion.
Email comment from KH: "Let's build churches better school educating and less prisons"
The things you write in this article are so outrageous that they call for an independent, third party investigation.
Where are the big media organizations?
Why is this being steamrolled into existence?
I was told a year ago by someone who works at the prison that they were 100 guards short.I wonder how moving 25 miles out of Sioux Falls is going to improve that situation.
Again you post the truth!!!!
Thank you, Voice. Now you're getting it. Real reporting.
Thank you for the kind comment. We aren't a traditional reporting service. We like to talk about complicated and/or controversial topics and present information in a way that encourages discussion. In this case, there was some overlap. We are glad you liked the topic and the presentation on this one.
Taj Mahal schools,the county shed obscenity and now this.We are crossing the line between taxation and outright consfiscation and nobody seems to care.
Follow the money. Who is benefiting from this? This is one of the most corrupt and least transparent states. Anytime you have one party in charge for over 40 years it can lead to a lot of behind the scene deals and the majority just look the other way.
I suppose Noem will need someplace to house immigrants that get arrested. BTW have we ever been able to see what she put on the state credit card?
Excellent points about transparency. There are many groups within the Republican Party. At least one of those groups is well aligned with you on corruption and transparency.
South Dakota had too much Covid relief money that wasn't used for it's intended purpose and needed to find a use for it.
Oh wow. Could you provide details?
That's my opinion. Several news articles reported that the state hadn't spent Covid relief funds.
There are already 8 state prisons in SD, followed by a whopping 26 county jails, soon there will be a new $7M 40-bed jail in Edmunds County, I hope it remains empty.
The State (we South Dakotan tax payers) paid $330K in 2021, the final DLR report was issued in 2022. It recommended to have multi-city-multi-locations rather than a new massive facility, in short 8 new multi-local prisons could house over 3000 beds could be built for ~ $600M. We don't need this many prison beds, the State of SD doesn't need to get into the prison business, appears the State leadership ignored the study.
How about using the State budget surplus to provid interest free loans to cities and Counties. Turn the former Presentation College campus into a trade school?
Loan the money to Edmunds County to build the new elementary school and new County jail with an interest free loan, rather than raise property taxes >40% in the last few years.
Enjoy Facts:
https://nicic.gov/resources/nic-library/state-statistics/2022/south-dakota-2022
The Jail System
South Dakota has 26 jails in 66 counties. The jail population in 2022 was 2,549.
The Prison System
As of December 31, 2022, the number of prisoners under the jurisdiction of South Dakota correctional authorities was 3,444 located in 8 state prisons and held in custody of private prisons or local jails. State operated facilities had a staff of 611 employees and a budget of $85,545,446.
The artical from SD New is below, link also provided.
Orginally published 10/23, https://news.sd.gov/news?id=news_kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0041078&sys_kb_id=b02b47d81b39f91045b90d08ec4bcb19&spa=1
My Comments:
How did the estimated cost go from $270M to the current bloated cost?
The last paragraph, by Commissioner Brock Greenfield, his statement, saying this was a prison to make money to pay for the State education system. Looks like it was a "beds for Feds" plan all along.
Folks we may need to head over to Pierre and let the State reps know we do not approve, this is an abuse of power, it is a misuse of our State tax surplus.
Who in the hell wants a bunch of criminals, most likely they would be Fed prisoners, why would we import the worst messed up people into our state in an attempt to earn a few bucks?
Horrible idea, they State has no idea how to do this, no idea about operational cost, I think South Dakotans do know of the nasty societally impact this would bring.
The Article:
"The South Dakota Department of Corrections (DOC) has agreed to purchase two 160-acre parcels of land in rural Lincoln County. This land provides a sufficient site plan for a new men's prison to replace much of the current State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls.
"This site is the best choice for a modern correctional facility that supports our state's public safety needs, minimizes the impact on community growth, and keeps us close to available workforce," said Kellie Wasko, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Corrections. "We appreciate Governor Noem's leadership, the Legislature's financial support, and Commissioner Greenfield's work to secure this land for the state's public safety needs for generations to come."
In both 2022 and 2023, the South Dakota State Legislature provided funding for the Incarceration Construction Fund for the purpose of constructing new prison facilities in South Dakota, including a new men's prison. In 2023, the Legislature passed and Governor Noem signed HB 1017, which appropriated $52 million to purchase land and contract for architectural services, engineering services, and other required services to build a new men's prison. That legislation also appropriated an additional $270.7 million for construction of the facility.
In July 2023, Governor Noem indicated, "we will be able to avoid unnecessary debt by using [the state's $98.6 million budget surplus] for future prison construction costs."
The land is located in rural Lincoln County on the western side of the corner of 477th and 278th street. The land is already owned by the state of South Dakota through the Office of School and Public Lands. State law allows School and Public Lands to transfer property to another government entity for the appraised value. The appraised value of both parcels has been set at a total of $7,910,000. Using land the state already owns is a financially responsible choice.
Commissioner Brock Greenfield acknowledged the historic role of the school and public land office: "This sale allows us to fulfill our constitutional duty to make money for education while providing a key public safety need for future." The Office of School and Public Lands was established at statehood in 1889 just a few years after the current state prison was built in 1881.
Your articles and discussions want our household to learn more about this, especially since we're in Lincoln Co. Sneakery or "do now and ask forgiveness later" doesn't go over well. People are now engaged and paying attention more than ever.
Refuse ‼️‼️
Future could cost many times more than estimated