Why Sioux Falls Was Chosen For South Dakota's New Prison

Just days after South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden officially announced that the state had entered into an agreement to purchase land in Sioux Falls for a new penitentiary, details on what made that particular location the most desirable have been released.

Top Choice

The third-party consultant for the governor's prison task force, Arrington Watkins, ranked the 148-acre Benson Road site in northeast Sioux Falls as the best prison location among the seven options under consideration.

State of South Dakota

Selling Points

Arrington Watkins cited the following as prime attributes contributing to the Benson Road site’s favorable rating:

Within a preferred 30-mile radius of Sioux Falls
Site utilities, including water, sewer, storm, and power, are available along Benson Road
Multiple points of entry exist
Minimal additional costs will be needed to extend utilities

Final Approval

The final step in the process comes September 23rd when the South Dakota Legislature votes on whether to approve the purchase. If that happens, If the purchase of the Benson Road site is approved by the Legislature on September 23, 2025, the state will pay $12,500,000 for the land and give up the Lincoln County land previously purchased for this project.

Officials estimate the state will save $10 million by building in Sioux Falls instead of Lincoln County due to lower costs, because there will be no need for a water tower, a long sewer line, or other expenses.

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Filed Under: Prison