As I’m writing this, I’m reflecting upon the recent announcement of Dakota State University’s new Applied Research Laboratory.
By now, most have heard the highlights, which include up to 500 new jobs paying $100,000 or more per year, a $100 million annual impact on the local economy and two-thirds of the $90 million project coming from private sources. In Madison, we will double the student pipeline to support this initiative, which means additional faculty and staff, and continued recruitment of the 150 positions at MadLabs.
This is arguably the biggest economic development project in our state’s history, and it is only the beginning.
In South Dakota, agriculture is and always will be our number one industry; but for years, the public sector and private industry have looked for the next big thing. This announcement means the next big thing is here now.
Cybersecurity may not be our number one industry, but it is sure to be a cornerstone of our local and regional economy. The students and faculty in Madison are and will be leaders regarding national security and protecting everything from our energy grid to our healthcare information.
Tech jobs and higher education also lead to an increased rate of spin off businesses as compared to other industries. This means everybody wins as more opportunities are created even for those that aren’t affiliated with the university.
I had the opportunity to offer final comments before the Senate State Affairs committee voted on this new and exciting project. Before speaking, I thought about how far we have advanced from when previous generations of Madison leaders fought to keep DSU viable through tough times.
I thought of the amazing opportunities for the next generation, as they will be able to receive their education from a nationally recognized leader and then pursue their dream career in South Dakota. I continue to think of the amazing vision of leaders past and present that set us on this path, and the responsibility that we have to carry it forward.
In those final comments, I mentioned that there isn’t a community of 7,000 people anywhere in the country that has more going for it than Madison. This announcement is certainly part of it, but our economic engine is firing on all 8 cylinders.
The retail sector in our community has seen a recent resurgence; we have top notch health care and K-12 facilities, and both our agriculture and manufacturing sectors are strong and expanding. In the near future, DSU will start building new athletic facilities which will draw in more students, create revenue generating opportunities, and allows for area student athletes to compete in first class facilities.
All of this has and will lead to a few growing pains, but we have seen private industry make investments that are positioning us to meet those challenges. I find it incredibly encouraging to see these partnerships form that promote economic development and education in our community and throughout the region.
A talented workforce along with excellent career opportunities will lead to a greater quality of life for all. I believe the best days for Madison and the state of South Dakota lie ahead of us.
Thank you for allowing me to represent you and our future generations as a common-sense conservative, who believes in limited government, fiscal responsibility, and protecting personal liberties.
Please don’t hesitate to drop me a note at Casey.Crabtree@sdlegislature.gov or follow me on social media at Casey Crabtree for SD Senate.
