Gov. Larry Rhoden, surrounded by legislators and other officeholders and staff, signs an executive order creating a rehabilitation task force on Sept. 23, 2025, at the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre. Moments earlier, Rhoden signed a bill authorizing the construction of a $650 million men’s prison in Sioux Falls. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)
PIERRE — After 144 years, South Dakota lawmakers decided Tuesday it’s time for “the Hill” to retire.
The required two-thirds of each legislative chamber voted to endorse a 1,500-bed, $650 million replacement for the state penitentiary building that opened its doors when South Dakota was still Dakota Territory. The new men’s prison will be the most expensive capital project ever funded by the state’s taxpayers…