07.27.17

Hoeven: CJS Funding Bill Supports New Detention Facility for Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe

Senator Worked to Include Flexibility for Tribal Detention Centers That Must Be Replaced, Are Beyond Repair

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the Senate’s Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 includes funding to help the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe replace its current detention center, which is beyond repair. The funding that the tribe currently receives from the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) does not allow for new construction. Hoeven’s provision ensures that the tribal justice assistance funding at OJP includes flexibility to allow new facilities.

“Law enforcement need adequate and safe facilities if they are going to protect and serve our communities,” said Hoeven. “The Sisseton-Wahpeton detention facility has reached a point where it is no longer cost-effective to just try and repair it. This flexibility was a necessary step to help the tribe build a new facility to support the tribal police in their important work.” 

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