Watertown Development Company Presents Annual Report: Infrastructure, Growth, and Community Partnerships Take Center Stage

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - At the December meeting of the Watertown Municipal Utilities Board, Chris Clifton, Director of the Watertown Development Company (WDC), delivered an in-depth annual report highlighting the organization’s pivotal role in driving economic development, infrastructure investment, and community growth in Watertown, South Dakota.

Major Infrastructure Projects and Funding

A key focus of the report was the ongoing development of the Calvin Industrial Park. Clifton announced that the governor will visit Watertown to make a significant announcement regarding additional funding for the park’s infrastructure. This took place on Tuesday, and Governor Larry Rhoden announced a $500,000 grant, bringing the total to $1 million.

The centerpiece of this initiative is a $4.5 million lift station project, designed to expand utility services from the current 100-acre site to potentially 300 or 400 acres, supporting future industrial growth. Funding for the project has come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, including a $2.5 million federal grant and a half-million-dollar state grant, leaving a shortfall that the governor’s announcement addressed.

The WDC has invested approximately $1.8 million in water and stormwater infrastructure for Calvin, with the goal of making the area “shovel-ready” for new and expanding businesses. Clifton emphasized the importance of forward-thinking infrastructure planning, drawing comparisons to Sioux Falls’ Foundation Park, which took nearly two decades and $30 million in investment to reach its current status as a major industrial hub.

Supporting Existing Businesses and Attracting New Industry

While attracting outside investment remains a priority, Clifton stressed that the majority of the WDC’s efforts are focused on supporting existing local companies. Notable examples include helping Charlie Mack at MackSteel secure an option on 17 acres for future expansion and working with Century on site development. These partnerships are crucial for landlocked companies seeking opportunities to grow within Watertown.

The WDC has also conducted target industry analysis to identify competitive advantages in sectors such as valve manufacturing and food processing, aiming to diversify the local economy and attract new businesses that require robust infrastructure.

Addressing Workforce and Housing Challenges

Community development is another pillar of the WDC’s strategy. Clifton highlighted ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life, including skills training in partnership with Lake Area Tech, support for Dakota scholarships, and investment in daycare facilities to help residents re-enter the workforce. Housing remains a significant challenge, with most new homes priced beyond the reach of entry-level workers. The WDC is working with partners to encourage development of more affordable housing options, though it does not directly build or market residential properties.

Emphasis on Partnerships and Return on Investment

Throughout the report, Clifton underscored the importance of partnerships with the city, county, state, and private investors in achieving economic development goals. The WDC claims a nearly 500% return on investment for its partners, leveraging limited organizational resources to maximize impact. The annual report serves as both a summary of achievements and a call to continue collaborative efforts to ensure Watertown remains competitive with neighboring communities.

Looking Ahead

As Watertown aims for ambitious growth targets—potentially doubling its population by 2030 or 2040—the WDC is positioning itself as a key facilitator of infrastructure, business expansion, and community development. The upcoming announcement from the governor is expected to strengthen these efforts further, providing critical funding to close infrastructure gaps and support the city’s long-term vision.