MITCHELL, S.D.(KMIT)- The largest ag project ever proposed in Davison County got the green light Tuesday after the Davison County Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit for a $500 million soybean processing plant. The plant will be located at the intersection of 257th Street and Highway 37 about two miles south of Mitchell. Nearly 100 people attended the meeting, and a nearly three-hour discussion was held regarding the project. Former state senator Mike Vehle of Mitchell spoke in favor of the project.
Although most of the testimony yesterday was in favor of the project, a petition was presented which was signed by 132 area residents opposed to the plan. Traffic concerns were raised at the meeting, and SDSP is conducting a traffic survey with the South Dakota DOT. South Dakota Soybean Processors CEO Tom Kersting says he encourages those with concerns to visit existing soybean processing plants elsewhere in the state.
Kersting explains what will happen next now that the permit has been approved.
The plant will be capable of processing 35 million bushels of soybeans annually, along with 850,000 tons of sunflowers. 85 full-time jobs are expected to be added, a majority of those in the Mitchell area, with salaries totaling more than $4 million annually. The facility is also expected to bring in up to $2 million in tax revenue each year.