SHAKOPEE — Minnesota’s only women’s prison will finally get a fence around its perimeter in Shakopee.

The prison has tight security for its 600 inmates, including nearly 100 women convicted of homicide. But, it has never had a fence separating its grounds from the surrounding neighborhood.

In the last two decades, eight prisoners have escaped, including one last year. All have been apprehended. Guards caught another 19 prisoners plotting escape plans. In in the last seven years, more than 30 people have been caught trespassing at the prison.

The $1 billion package of public works projects awaiting Gov. Mark Dayton’s signature includes $5 million for the women’s prison.