![Shakopee Prison Fence Under Construction](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2013/09/Prison-Wire-300x200.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Shakopee Prison Fence Under Construction
SHAKOPEE (AP) - Construction has started on a secure fence around the only Minnesota prison that doesn't have one.
The new fence at the Shakopee women's prison has its supporters and its opponents. Resident Gene Pottheier says his family has lived near the prison for 30 years and has never had safety concerns.
About 640 inmates are housed at the prison and range from low-level risk to violent offenders. Nine-five women have been convicted of murder.
Sen. Eric Pratt, of Prior Lake, lobbied for more than $5 million in state money to cover the cost of the fence. Pratt says that because of concerns about neighborhood aesthetics, the fence won't have barbed wire and concrete. Instead the fence will be wrought iron and brick.
The fence is expected to be done by next spring.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![St. Ben’s, St. John’s Official Higher Ed Partners with MN United](http://townsquare.media/site/70/files/2019/11/soccer_ball_getty_Michael-Regan_Getty24.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gas Prices Fall in Minnesota, Rise Nationally](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/04/attachment-GettyImages-97962772.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Cloud’s Coborn’s, CentraCare Make List of Biggest Minnesota Employers](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Jobs3-Thinkstock-GettyImages.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Central MN Meat Market Introduces 24/7 Meat Vending Machine](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Jen-and-Travis.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Becker Woman Hurt in Crash Near Spicer](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/06/State-Patrol-Stock-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Get Ready For Change: Minnesota Introduces Area Code 924 Overlay](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-NewAreaCode.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![MSP Ranked Top U.S. Airport in 2024](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-MAC_MSP-Airport_Terminal-1_Delta_6x4_200.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Riding High: Amtrak Borealis Trains Impress In First Month](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-AmtrakBorealis-AmtrakHandoutPhoto.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![90s Possible in Minnesota this Weekend](http://townsquare.media/site/669/files/2021/07/attachment-RS45164_GettyImages-1150050227-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)