Milbank South Dakota Industrial Park Awarded $2.5 million EDA Grant
The City of Milbank, in partnership with the Grant County Development Corporation (GCDC), has been awarded a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to finance essential infrastructure enhancements for their industrial park expansion.
Milbank Industrial Park, located at the southern end of Milbank along Highway 15, currently accommodates several businesses like Apex, J&J Earthworks, Valley Ag, and Valley Rental & Recycling, among others. After over four years of planning, the project is finally coming to fruition thanks to the dedicated efforts of all project partners. The grant will support the development of 12 additional lots to the west of Madison Street, along with the construction of new infrastructure like streets, curb and gutter, storm sewer, drainage facilities, watermain, sanitary sewer and other necessary work for infrastructure and grading costs to facilitate development.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo remarked, "This EDA investment will support substantial enhancements to Milbank's industrial infrastructure, laying the groundwork for sustainable regional economic growth."
The assistance from the EDA will be combined with $615,400 from GCDC funds that include a $500K grant from the South Dakota Local Infrastructure Improvement Program (LIIP), with the goal of generating new job opportunities and stimulating $8 million in private investments, further aligning with the goals of the City of Milbank and the GCDC.
Traci Stein, Executive Director of GCDC, emphasizes the importance of the EDA grant in facilitating the establishment of essential infrastructure to support new businesses. “The expansion is anticipated to create job opportunities and drive millions in capital investment for Grant County as well as improvements that are set to lay the foundation for future high-quality job prospects in the region. The GCDC Board of Directors eagerly anticipates the infrastructure enhancements that will enable potential companies to establish themselves in the newly developed 36-acre area and extends their gratitude to the City of Milbank, the SD Board of Economic Development, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Ottertail Power Company, First District of Local Governments, Banner Engineering, and First Bank & Trust for their support and collaboration in securing the funds.”
Once the City of Milbank and GCDC finalizes the required paperwork later this month, the project can commence, with the majority of the work scheduled for next spring.
Milbank Mayor Pat Raffety expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with the Grant County Development Corporation on the industrial park expansion, “The improvements will benefit local businesses and enhance water and sewer services for new and expanding enterprises in the park.”
About the City of Milbank, SD (www.milbanksd.com)
Milbank has a population of 3,544 and is located in the heart of Grant County which has a population of 7,556. Surrounded by farmland, Milbank is ten miles from Big Stone Lake. Milbank is known for its community support, and prides itself on being the Birthplace of American Legion Baseball.
About the Grant County Development Corporation (www.grantcountysd.com)
The mission of the Grant County Development Corporation (GCDC) is to promote, encourage and advance the development of private enterprise, local employment opportunities, area tourism, and community growth through the expansion of business and industry in Grant County.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is committed to guiding the federal economic development agenda by fostering competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the global economy. As an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and encourages regional collaboration to generate employment for U.S. workers, drive American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.
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