PIERRE, S.D.  (MITCHELLNOW) South Dakota prison officials defended their $825 million proposal before a legislative committee on Thursday, facing questions about location and cost. The planned facility in Lincoln County would house about 1,600 inmates, replacing Sioux Falls’ State Penitentiary that was built in 1881. Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko said the new prison would improve security and rehab programs, while addressing staffing shortages that include a 40% vacancy rate for nurses. Construction preparation began this week. Final legislative approval is still needed.