Mitchell, South Dakota — Mitchell is no longer a candidate for the state’s next men’s prison.
The state’s Prison Project Reset Task Force voted Tuesday to withdraw the city from consideration, citing widespread public opposition and workforce concerns.
A Department of Corrections survey found that only 7% of current prison staff would be willing to commute to Mitchell, compared to 77% for sites near Sioux Falls.
Supporters of the Mitchell site, including the Mitchell Area Development Corporation, were ready to testify but were denied the opportunity following the early vote.
Mayor Jordan Hanson and MADC CEO Mike Lauritsen stated that, despite the decision, the city remains committed to future growth. With Mitchell and Worthing no longer being considered, all remaining prison site options are in the Sioux Falls area, with officials stating that the Sweetman property is the front-runner. Click here for more government stories from MitchellNow.com.
