PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) -- The current plan for a new men's prison in Sioux Falls that Gov. Larry Rhoden released on Monday afternoon differs substantially from the previous plan that former Gov. Kristi Noem had envisioned for Lincoln County.

Both plans call for 1,500 beds. The new plan comes with a $650 million price tag. That is $175 million less than the $825 million old plan.

Rhoden, who rose from lieutenant governor when Noem resigned last winter to accept an appointment as federal Homeland Security secretary, put the new plan out to answer questions from the public and from state lawmakers. He has called a special session of the Legislature for September 23.

The new plan became necessary after the House last winter refused to provide the funding necessary to build the prison in Lincol

See Full Page