Thursday, the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) announced its selection of a firm to assist with infrastructure planning throughout South Dakota. GOED applied for and was awarded $1 million in federal funding through the Economic Development Administration (EDA).
"These funds will allow South Dakota to lay the foundation to make our state an even more viable place for potential growth. I am proud that we can be a part of making this happen for communities across our great state," said GOED Commissioner Steve Westra.
Through their Request for Proposal (RFP) process, GOED selected ISG of Sioux Falls due to their expertise and planning capabilities. The grant will be used for statewide infrastructure planning, identifying prime economic development sites, and capital improvement planning for communities with a population of less than 5,000.
ISG will identify 16 development sites across the state for infrastructure planning through a data-driven process. Sixteen communities of less than 5,000 will be selected through an application process for the capital improvement planning portion of the grant. Communities who apply and are selected will provide matching funds for their planning.
"We are excited to partner with ISG to help communities work on comprehensive infrastructure planning. Having a plan for capital improvement in communities is vital to their long-term economic growth and success," said Westra.
ISG is a nationally recognized multi-disciplinary architecture, engineering, environmental, and planning firm with 11 offices, serving clients nationwide.
Steve Watson, ISG development strategist said, "South Dakota has tremendous economic development potential. It is why we opened an office in the state years ago, and why we are honored to have the opportunity to work with multiple state agencies and local stakeholders to help understand essential infrastructure constraints and opportunities. This understanding will help inform future infrastructure related decision making at both a regional and statewide level."
Work on this project will begin immediately and is scheduled to last through 2023.
Categories: South Dakota, Business