Governor Larry Rhoden Awards $500,000 Future Fund Grant to Watertown’s Calvin Industrial Park
- Steve Jurrens
- Dec 30, 2025
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - In a significant boost to regional economic growth, Governor Larry Rhoden announced a $500,000 grant from the state’s Future Fund to support infrastructure development at Watertown’s Calvin Industrial Park. The announcement was made during a gathering of state and local leaders at the Sentry facility, highlighting a unique multi-agency partnership dedicated to the city’s industrial expansion.
The grant follows a previous $500,000 award from the Local Infrastructure Improvement Program, bringing the total state investment in the park’s current phase to $1 million.
A Legacy of Growth
The business park is named in honor of the late John Calvin, a prominent businessman and state economic development advocate who moved his operations to Watertown over 40 years ago. His widow, Prudy Calvin, was recognized during the event for the family’s lasting impact on the community.
“John had the long vision for the good of South Dakota and Watertown,” said Mike Cartney, President Emeritus of Lake Area Technical College. “It is appropriate that we have the Governor here today to make this announcement for a project that embodies that same forward-thinking spirit.”
A “Five-Part” Partnership
City Manager Alan Stager and Codington County Commission Chair Troy VanDusen emphasized that the success of the Calvin Industrial Park is the result of a rare collaboration between five key entities:
· The City of Watertown
· The Watertown Development Company
· Watertown Municipal Utilities
· The Codington County Commissioners
· The State of South Dakota
VanDusen noted that while county budgets are often stretched thin—particularly with the ongoing construction of a new jail—the commission recognized the project’s long-term value. “This initiative is about more than a single project,” VanDusen said. “It reflects a shared commitment to our future and the continued growth of our city, county, and state.”
Strategic Investment for the Future
During his remarks, Governor Rhoden praised Watertown’s proactive approach to business, noting that the community doesn’t “wait for doors to open,” but rather “checks the doors” to see where opportunity lies.
“Economic development is about opening more doors of opportunity for our kids and grandkids,” said Governor Rhoden. “We want them to be able to pursue the careers of their dreams right here in South Dakota. When vision turns to action, that’s how we keep communities thriving.”
The Governor highlighted South Dakota’s strong economic position, citing the nation's lowest unemployment rate and a highly competitive tax and regulatory climate.
Success in Action at Sentry
The event was hosted by Nick Hendrickson, Operations Manager at Sentry. Hendrickson shared the company’s growth story, noting that since moving to Watertown in 2018, the business has rapidly expanded thanks to the local and state business environment.
While Sentry is well-known for manufacturing high-end fish houses, Stager encouraged attendees to tour the facility to see the full scope of their advanced manufacturing capabilities. “They could have relocated anywhere, but they chose Watertown,” Stager said. “We hope they are just one of many more to come.”
The infrastructure improvements at Calvin Industrial Park are expected to position the site as a premier trade center for northeastern South Dakota, attracting new companies and securing the region’s economic foundation for decades to come.
