South Dakota DOC agrees to purchase Lincoln County land for new men’s prison

October 9, 2023

PIERRE, S.D.–The South Dakota Department of Corrections has agreed to purchase 320 acres of land in rural Lincoln County for a new men’s prison to replace the current State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls.

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 the land has been set at a total of $7.9 million.

Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko said the site is the best choice for a modern correctional facility that supports the state’s public safety needs, minimizes the impact on community growth, and keeps the state close to available workforce.

According to the state’s projections, the new facility will need more than 400 employees.

The estimated cost of the project has not yet been determined.