SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELOLAND) – A decision on what will replace the South Dakota State Penitentiary may not happen in July during a special session as Gov. Larry Rhoden requested earlier this year.

In an interview with KSDN, Governor Rhoden indicated the July 22nd date was subject to change.

Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen and the chair of Project Prison Reset task force sent a letter to Rhoden asking him to consider delaying the target date of July 22 for a legislative special session on the task force’s recommendations.

“Even if the task force is able to adopt a specific proposal on July 8, we do not feel that two weeks provides adequate time for a final proposal to be completed with adequate detail, and for state legislators to learn about that proposal prior to the special session,” Venhuizen wrote.

At a June meeting, the task force asked for specific building recommendations for possible State Pen replacements. The task force wants options to build 1,500 to 1,700 beds at a maximum cost of $600 million located at existing Department of Corrections facilities or at proposed locations in Worthing or Mitchell.

The state has previously spent more than $50 million in land purchase and design costs for a new men’s prison in rural Lincoln County at a site that has now been officially rejected by the task force. The current State Penitentiary is more than 140 years old and predates South Dakota statehood.

The task force has unanimously supported a motion finding the State Penitentiary should be replaced.

Gov. Larry Rhoden agreed Thursday to extend the deadline for calling a special legislative session to consider a new men’s prison, following a request for an extension from the committee studying the issue.