Harrisburg City Council Rejects Prison Sewer Connection

The Harrisburg City Council unanimously rejected a proposal to connect a new state prison to the city's wastewater treatment facility, despite potential financial benefits that could have lowered residents' water bills. The proposed prison, designed to replace the aging State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls, has faced significant local opposition, particularly from the group Neighbors Opposed to Prison Expansion (NOPE). Council members and residents expressed concerns about falling property values, infrastructure strain, and the impact of a large prison on the community's safety. State officials indicated that the prison could still proceed using alternative wastewater management solutions, such as lagoons. The council's decision reflects the strong sentiment among residents against the prison's location in the rapidly growing area of Lincoln County. The state has emphasized that it is exploring all options for wastewater treatment, regardless of the council's stance.