Yankton County approves feasibility study with TEGRA for local juvenile detention options

The Yankton County Board of Commissioners voted to hire consultant TEGRA to complete a feasibility study and preliminary design for adding juvenile detention capacity to the county jail, a step commissioners said is needed to determine whether a local facility is financially and operationally feasible.

Commissioners approved the consultant engagement after discussion about scope, cost and timing. The study was described as a two-step process: an initial phase (about $25,000) and a second phase (about $25,000); commissioners and staff also referenced a commonly cited total of roughly $55,000 once travel and phase‑2 expenses are included. Commissioner Dan moved to approve the engagement; Commissioner Don seconded the motion, and the board voted in favor.

Why it matters: County leaders said sending juveniles to facilities outside Yankton has become increasingly costly and disruptive — both…