South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden announced a potential $17 million deal Friday to acquire land for a new men’s prison in northeast Sioux Falls and trade away state-owned land 15 miles south of the city that was formerly chosen as a prison site.

The plan is subject to approval by the Legislature, which is scheduled to convene for a special session Sept. 23.

“South Dakota needs a new prison to keep our people safe, and we are moving forward with delivering a proposal that prioritizes safety and conservative fiscal stewardship,” Rhoden said in a news release.

If approved, the transaction could resolve a controversy over plans to replace the oldest parts of the antiquated and crowded state penitentiary in Sioux Falls.

The controversy dates to 2023 when the administration of then-Gov. Kristi

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