RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – A comprehensive consultant report has recently become available, addressing the urgent need for a new prison facility in South Dakota. The report strongly recommends that the current South Dakota state penitentiary be decommissioned and subsequently replaced. This suggestion arises amid projections of significant system growth through 2036 and beyond, which could make managing capacity, hiring new staff, building new facilities, and maintaining operations increasingly challenging.
This issue has captured the attention of South Dakota’s citizens, given the state’s rich history and vibrant community life. Known for its sprawling prairies and the iconic Mount Rushmore, South Dakota values its community’s safety and wellbeing, which aligns with the pressing need for a modernized and efficient correctional facility.
The state’s 34th Governor, Larry Rhoden, has taken decisive action by forming a working group earlier this year to explore the best path forward for constructing a new prison. The group’s recommendations are anticipated during a special session in July, underscoring the urgency and importance of this initiative to South Dakota’s governance and public safety.
Larry Rhoden
Governor Larry Rhoden, who stepped into office in January 2025, has long been a dedicated public servant. His tenure includes serving in the South Dakota National Guard for six years, substantial roles in the state legislature, and a collaboration with former Governor Kristi Noem to reform property taxes and repeal the controversial ‘Trucker’s Tax’. His initiatives have consistently aligned with conservative values, earning him high praise, including the American Conservative Union’s top rating in 2017.
Rhoden’s commitment to South Dakota extends beyond his political career. He and his wife, Sandy, are proud parents to four sons and grandparents to seven, underlying his personal connection and commitment to the state’s future.
South Dakota State Penitentiary
The comprehensive report detailing the challenges and needs for the state’s correctional system is open to public view, ensuring transparency and stakeholder engagement. As Governor Rhoden and his working group prepare to present their findings and recommendations, South Dakota residents remain invested in the outcome that will impact their communities.
In addition to the practical considerations related to facility management and staffing, this dialogue opens a broader discussion on other key issues facing South Dakota, such as community safety, economic impacts of prison construction, and potentially, job creation related to the new facility’s development.
For those interested in the report’s specifics, it is accessible online. This document is pivotal for not just policymakers but also for educators, community leaders, and everyday citizens invested in the structural and social landscape of South Dakota.
Residents are encouraged to engage actively in these discussions, with news outlets like KOTA facilitating feedback and public interaction. Readers are invited to report any spelling or grammatical discrepancies via their feedback form. Additionally, those with visual evidence of breaking news stories can contribute to KOTA’s platform here.
As South Dakota navigates these transformative times, the role of informed citizens, supportive legislation, and strategic governance remains at the forefront. Governor Rhoden’s administration continues to champion policies grounded in practical solutions and community-focused outcomes, reflecting South Dakota’s broader commitment to progress and resilience.