8legs: Shane smith

#1 out of 1

Smithfield relocation impacts on state, environment, economy

Smithfield will relocate its Sioux Falls pork plant to a larger industrial park campus, preserving thousands of jobs.
The new campus will cost about $1.3 billion and sit in Foundation Park, with a wastewater facility funded by a city TIF district.
Officials say the move will reduce odors and improve water quality through upgraded air-scrubbing tech and new wastewater infrastructure.
The downtown site will be vacated and redeveloped after the move, potentially expanding the riverfront for recreation.
The move is expected to support regional farmers; most hogs come from independent producers in SD, MN, and IA.
The project includes a $90 million TIF district to fund wastewater upgrades and infrastructure.
Local officials expect the move to spur long-term redevelopment in downtown Sioux Falls.
Smithfield stresses it will remain in the state, sustaining regional economic activity.
Farm and environmental groups note broader river quality challenges beyond the plant, including upstream runoff.
The new facility will be built at Foundation Park, near other industrial tenants including an Amazon warehouse.

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