SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The City of Sioux Falls new $736 million, five-year capital plan takes into account current revenue realities.
“We have scaled back growth estimates for 2020 to be break even. As a result, we have had to reduce $11 million from the first four years of the capital program,” Mayor Paul TenHaken tells City Council, as he explains the highlights of the new plan.
The plan includes new road and public safety projects, continued work on the water reclamation facility, expansion of the Downtown River Greenway, and expansion of the bike trail in the growing northwestern part of Sioux Falls.
TenHaken says a new police and fire training facility with a new 911 center is long overdue.
“The men and women serving as our front line public safety personnel will be provided with real-life training in this facility. equipping them with the resources and support to react with excellence…”
A key road project will be a new interchange at 85th Street and Interstate 29.
“The new interchange will further open the door to new economic growth and development for the region,” and TenHaken tells Council that another big project will be expanding the very busy 41st Street in the I-29 area.
TenHaken says a capital plan provides the critical infrastructure that a growing city needs to handle the dramatic increases in population expected in the decades ahead.
Impact from COVID-19 on the economy has hurt tax revenues, at least in the short term, but TenHaken is confident Sioux Falls will be ready to meet the challenges in the years ahead.
“We must innovate government to do more with less, recognizing that limited resources require thoughtful prioritization of needs..”
