A third-party consultant found land in Sioux Falls proposed for a new state prison is now considered to be the “best” of all proposed land.
The site is just south of the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society along Benson Road and came into discussions in the late stages of a governor-appointed task force that recommended building in Sioux Falls.
Arrington Watkins is the state’s independent consultant for the prison project. They rated the site as the best, citing multiple benefits, including its proximity to Sioux Falls, low additional development costs and access to utilities.
Previously, state-owned land in Lincoln County was considered the best by Arrington Watkins.
Gov. Larry Rhoden recently announced a purchase agreement, with an option to purchase the land for a total valuation of $17 million if approved by the Legislature.
