Grant Boosts Economic Development in Mitchell, SD
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The South Dakota governor’s office has announced a $1 million grant aimed at enhancing business growth in Mitchell through the Future Fund, a nonprofit entity focused on economic development.
Despite receiving criticism for the governor’s ability to allocate funds without legislative approval, supporters of the grant highlight its significance for local communities. Recently, Dakota BioWorx in Brookings was awarded a $900,000 grant to offset operating costs for their facility that transforms agricultural commodities into valuable bioproducts.
The grant to Mitchell will support the Mitchell Area Development Corporation in developing nearly 20 acres in the southwest part of the city, with the goal of bolstering the local economy. Mike Lauritsen, CEO of the Development Corporation, stated, “We aim to establish infrastructure that will not only support existing businesses but also make us more competitive in attracting new ones.”
Lauritsen added that the initiative has been in progress for nearly three years and emphasized the importance of engineering work in advancing the project. “Once the engineering is complete, we will put the project out for bid, collaborating closely with both the city and county,” he explained.
Commissioner Bill Even from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development provided insight into the grant approval process, stating that Mitchell presented a robust plan with significant local backing, securing additional funding and preparing development-ready sites crucial for attracting businesses.
Mitchell’s Mayor, Jordan Hanson, expressed a desire for local involvement in the project. “It’s essential we manage this money wisely, as many developers in our town rely on community growth for their livelihood.”
This $1 million grant aligns with an additional $1 million from a USDA Rural Development loan supported by Central Electric Cooperative, as stipulated by Governor Rhoden’s executive order. Lauritsen is hopeful that construction from businesses on the new site could commence by the end of next year if everything progresses smoothly.
