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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Mayor Huether today listed Sioux Fall’s top ten accomplishments last year ranging from City Hall renovation to the PREMIERE Center.
But Huether’s top accomplishment was securing the downtown railyard. He says historians may recognize the deal as the biggest win for Sioux Falls ever.
Other top tens include another record construction year, the Midco Aquatic Center and Sioux Falls Fire Rescue’s top 35 recognition.
#1. The City of Sioux Falls purchased the downtown rail yard (utilizing federal funds) for $27,334,500 after more than a decade of planning and negotiations with BNSF Railway Company.
#2. The Denny Sanford PREMIER Center’s first year of operation was spectacular, with bottom-line income of $1.9 million; attendance of 645,659 fans; and 135 events, including 11 sell-outs.
#3. Construction valuation for building permits broke records in Sioux Falls, with more than $676 million in construction, the third straight year a new record was established. Staff also performed a record number of inspections.
#4. Sioux Falls Fire Rescue was presented with ISO Class 1 designation and maintained its accreditation with the Center for Public Safety Excellence. It now is recognized as one of only 35 fire departments across the country with both of these achievements.
#5. Sioux Falls experienced an incredible year of economic growth, with a net gain of 2,800 new jobs, a low of 2 percent unemployment, and a 5.8 percent retail sales growth rate. The City also paid off $25 million of the City’s outstanding debt.
#6. Paramedics Plus now provides the highest quality emergency medical services, with no taxpayer subsidies, after an extensive search process including legal challenges at the city, state and federal level.
#7. The Midco® Aquatic Center, the city’s first indoor aquatic center, is under budget and on schedule, and the naming rights sponsor was secured, which provides $2.2 million in operating revenues over the next ten years.
#8. New FEMA floodplain map amendments are complete after six years of work and impact 2,500 properties, including development and growth opportunities once put on hold and now soon to be captured.
#9. Foundation Park, an 800-acre mega-development park, became a reality, thanks to the collaborative work of the State of South Dakota, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, and the City of Sioux Falls.
#10. City Hall has completed its first major modernization since it was built in 1935. The remodel includes ground floor and second floor, providing value for citizens and employees alike.
For more information, including lists of each department’s top 10 wins of the year, go to www.siouxfalls.org.