Directly or indirectly, almost every business in America has been affected by the national recession. Even if the effect is small, uncertainty about the future has caused many business decision-makers to postpone projects or expansions.
New construction across the country is down, in some cases substantially. Yet in Madison, we're seeing major projects under way -- activity that is good for the local economy and bodes well for our future.
Among the most visible is the large, new James River facility on east SD-34. The John Deere dealership is expanding its square footage sharply and relocating to a very visible location.
Not far to the west of the James River project is the site for the new Heartland Consumers Power District headquarters building. The intention is for the building to be the first certified LEED platinum building in South Dakota, a tangible demonstration of energy-saving and environmentally sound construction practices.
East River Electric is in the second phase of a major expansion. The first phase was the construction of the new service center west of Madison, and the second phase is the complete renovation of one of its downtown buildings into a new space for its telecommunications department. The third phase -- new construction downtown -- is tentatively planned for next summer.
In addition, plans continue to progress for the new ICAP building on S. Van Eps Avenue, although construction may not start this year.
Public works project are noticeable this summer as well. The wastewater treatment plant renovation is virtually complete, and concrete repair of SD-34 through town continues, as does stone wall repair for Memorial Creek.
We're pleased to see such strong economic activity and enthused that these long-term investments in our community will pay off for a long time.
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