Yankton Sioux Correctional Facility; Renovation Project

The Renovation of Correctional Facilities on Tribal Lands Discretionary Grant Program assists tribes in developing strategies to cost effectively construct or renovate existing facilities associated with the incarceration and rehabilitation of juvenile and adult offenders subject to tribal jurisdiction. Careful planning is critical to ensure that new and renovated correctional facilities are appropriately designed for the intended population, supportive of cultural and traditional values, safe and secure when completed, and are in compliance with Bureau of Indian Affairs' standards regarding correctional operations, programs, and design.

The Yankton Sioux Tribe ('Tribe') will utilize their FY 2008 Renovation of Correctional Facilities on Tribal Lands Discretionary Grant Program award to address public safety. Currently, the Tribe transports juveniles from a facility to the police department that takes officers ten hours, round trip. The costs of these trips are a burden to the Tribe's budget especially when off-duty officers must be brought in to cover the transport. Due to the problems with arranging transport and the costs, the courts are not sentencing juveniles except in extreme cases. As a result, there has been an increase in juvenile-related crimes. To combat this situation, the Tribe will utilize this grant funding to renovate and construct facilities to house juveniles.

Specifically, the grant will fund the following activities: site renovation including demolition, clearing and grading, sewer and water service, concrete, driveways and parking lots, and fencing; personnel costs for a project manager, and supplies for office administration. The Tribe will also provide matching funds covering utilities, computers, communications, leasing services, and site renovation and construction. This grant aims to relieve the hardship of the Tribe's budget, increase sentencing for juveniles, and enhance public safety.

CA/NCF