Law enforcement payoff: Federal relief fueled years of public safety projects in South Dakota

But new jails, justice centers could slow with end of pandemic-era funds

South Dakota’s decade-long wave of jail, courthouse and police station construction could soon slow to a crawl.

Fueled by billions in federal COVID-19 stimulus dollars and years of pent-up facility needs, communities across the state have spent the last four years replacing outdated law enforcement and justice centers. But with those funds largely spent and voters increasingly wary of big-ticket government projects, the surge may be reaching its final phase.

Brookings is among the latest to consider a major project, with city officials holding public meetings Nov. 3 on a proposed $19 million police station. The city has about the same amount in reserves set aside for public safety facilities.

“If all goes smoothly, construction on the new police station could start in fall 2026 with completion in early 2028,” City Manager Paul Briseno told The Dakota Scout.

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