Watertown School Board Awards $232,000 Construction Bid for LATC’s New Ag Commodity Risk Management Lab

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown School Board on Monday approved a $232,000 construction bid from Gray Construction for Lake Area Technical College’s new Ag Commodity Risk Management Lab, correcting earlier estimates tied to the project’s broader planning documents.

LATC President Tiffany Sanderson presented the bid recommendation, noting that the project is fully funded through a state Workforce Education Grant awarded earlier this year.

“Tonight we’re seeking your approval to award the construction bid for the Ag Commodity Risk Management Lab,” Sanderson said. “We received a Workforce Education Grant from the state of South Dakota to fund this project.”

Sanderson recommended awarding the project to Gray Construction, the lowest responsible bidder.

The bid includes:

·         Construction of the new lab facility

·         Site preparation and utilities

·         Interior classroom and simulation space

·         Technology infrastructure for commodity‑trading instruction

The board acted quickly on the recommendation.

“I move to approve the construction bid award as presented,” Board Member Lohr said.

“Second,” Board Member Moulton added.

With no further discussion, the board voted unanimously.

The new Ag Commodity Risk Management Lab will provide hands‑on training for students pursuing careers in:

·         Commodity marketing

·         Risk management

·         Ag finance

·         Grain merchandising

·         Cooperative management

The facility will include real‑time market data displays, trading‑simulation software, and instructional space designed to mirror professional commodity‑trading environments.

Sanderson said the project aligns with LATC’s mission to meet workforce needs across South Dakota’s agriculture sector.

With the bid now awarded, construction is expected to begin during the summer of 2026, with completion targeted for the 2026–27 academic year.

CORRECTION NOTE

An earlier version of this article incorrectly listed the construction bid as $1.49 million. The correct approved bid from Gray Construction is $232,000. Northeast Radio SD regrets the error and has updated the article.