South Dakota’s Certified Ready Site Program Activates

Thursday, January 19, 2012
PIERRE, S.D. – Those with business development interests in South Dakota have a new tool to help find suitable project locations. South Dakota now has a Certified Ready Site Program.

The program certifies property all over the state that is shovel-ready and available for development. The program categorizes the certified property with development designations -Heavy Industrial, Light Industrial, Business Services/Research and Development, or Rural Business Park.

• Heavy Industrial Sites are zoned for heavy industrial or the equivalent zoning designation and are generally have a significant impact on community infrastructure, and are non-compatible with commercial or residential uses.
• Light Industrial Sites are zoned for light industrial or the equivalent zoning designation and typically have a small impact on a community’s infrastructure. Examples include warehouse and distribution centers.
• Business Services/Research and Development Sites include office, business services and support or research and development activities.
• Rural Business Parks are can accommodate a variety of uses are located in communities with a population of less than 5000.

Commissioner J. Pat Costello, South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development says the Certified Ready Site program was two years in the making.

“We really wanted to be thorough and make sure our program is well designed and a useful tool for developers, site selectors, and business leaders,” said Costello. “We tested the program with six pilot sites, worked out the kinks and are happy to now provide this top-notch service.”

Certification criteria are based on industry and economic development standards and provide consistent information on available sites throughout South Dakota. Program information including the application can be found at www.sdreadytopartner.com/certified.

“We know that having readily available well-packaged information available to perspective buyers is important and can help reduce the risk of developing a particular site,” said Costello. “Between economic development tools like this program, and our nationally recognized business environment, South Dakota offers a very compelling case for economic development.”


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