In a dramatic turn of events on Tuesday, Lennox City Council voted to approve a deal with the state to accept wastewater from a controversial state men’s prison, even as a coalition of opponents filed an appeal challenging the construction of the facility in rural Lincoln County. The developments reflect the growing tensions surrounding the state’s plan to build a new, $569 million prison and the ongoing legal and political battle over its location and approvals.
Lennox City Council’s Key Vote Amid Legal Struggles
The Lennox City Council’s vote came on the same day that State Representative Kevin Jensen (R-Canton) announced that Neighbors Opposed to Prison Expansion (NOPE), a local group of concerned Lincoln County residents, had filed a legal appeal. The appeal seeks to overturn a lower court ruling that allowed the state to proceed with the prison construction without requiring county-level permits, which NOPE argues are necessary for the project.
The wastewater agreement, which will provide the prison site with essential water treatment services, was approved unanimously by the Lennox council, despite vocal opposition. This agreement ensures that Lennox will be compensated with $10.5 million in state funds. Supporters of the deal, including city officials, view it as a much-needed financial boon that could significantly reduce the community’s water bills. Councilman Chad Swier emphasized the positive impact this funding would have on local residents, calling it an “opportunity to drastically affect the water bill of our community.”
However, the decision to accept the wastewater deal came amid heated opposition. Several members of NOPE attended the council meeting, urging the council to reject the deal, arguing that the prison’s construction could have long-term negative effects on the community and the environment.
State Lawmakers at Odds Over Prison Project
As the Lennox vote took place, State Rep. Jensen held a press conference in Sioux Falls, reiterating his concerns about the prison project. He and other critics have raised alarms over the management of the state Department of Corrections, led by Secretary Kellie Wasko, accusing the department of deliberately implementing disruptive policies to justify the need for a new prison.
Jensen alleged that “policy changes” inside the current Sioux Falls penitentiary were creating instability in the system, leading to overcrowding and safety concerns. “I’m being told by officers on the inside, they feel like the only policy changes being made are in order to show that it’s a disruptive system and we need a new prison,” Jensen claimed. His accusations have not been universally accepted, however, with some lawmakers pushing back on his views.
Rep. Tim Reisch (R-Howard), a former corrections secretary, dismissed Jensen’s allegations as “completely ridiculous.” Reisch, along with other lawmakers, has expressed concerns about the costs and transparency surrounding the prison project, but they do not agree with the assertion that the Department of Corrections is intentionally destabilizing the system.
Legal Battle Continues: NOPE Appeals to the State Supreme Court
The legal fight surrounding the prison’s construction continues to intensify. Last month, a judge dismissed NOPE’s lawsuit, which had argued that local zoning boards and county permits should be required for the prison. The group contended that the state had bypassed local regulations, effectively undermining the authority of Lincoln County and the residents who live there.
Following the dismissal, NOPE announced that it would appeal the decision to the South Dakota Supreme Court, a move that could delay the project further. The coalition remains committed to fighting the prison’s construction, asserting that local communities deserve a greater say in such significant developments.
The state’s plans to build the 1,500-bed facility to replace the aging Sioux Falls penitentiary, which dates back to 1881, have sparked controversy throughout the region. Despite growing concerns, including escalating costs and questions about the need for the new facility, state leaders have continued to push forward with the project. The prison would be funded from the $569 million allocated by the state legislature in recent years.
Lennox’s Strategic Position and the Prison’s Long-Term Impact
Lennox, which sits about 15 miles from the proposed prison site, has become a key player in the state’s efforts to move the project forward. The city’s decision to accept the wastewater agreement comes after the Harrisburg City Council rejected a similar offer in August. As a result, Lennox became the state’s preferred partner in managing the wastewater needs of the new prison.
Despite the financial benefits, residents of Lennox are divided over the project. Some see it as a windfall that could improve the city’s infrastructure, while others fear that the prison will bring unwanted environmental and social consequences to the area. The ongoing opposition by NOPE, as well as the legal battle, suggests that the prison project will continue to be a contentious issue for years to come.
The state budget committee is scheduled to meet this Thursday to discuss the prison project and provide an update on its costs. As the fight over the new facility rages on, all eyes are on the legal and political landscape that will ultimately determine its fate.
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