DOC secretary: New men’s prison will be safer

It has been a long process, but the new men’s prison in Sioux Falls has taken a step forward. Officials broke ground on the project Wednesday morning.

The new site will be along Benson Road in the northeast part of the city, just south of the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.

State and local officials lined up to ceremoniously break ground for a facility that will replace the current state penitentiary that is more than 140 years old.

“The project is much needed and way overdue. We’re probably about 50 years overdue for this project,” Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken said.

Once work is complete, the prison will have 1,500 beds. The project has a maximum price of $650 million.

“We are paying cash. We are not borrowing. We have the money set aside to pay cash for this facility,” Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen said. View the story on KELOLAND.