2017 - A record- setting construction year in City of Huron

HURON – The numbers tell the story.
With a little more than two months to go, 2017 has been a record-setting year in terms of construction growth.
In a State of the City presentation on Thursday, Huron Public Works Commissioner Bryan Smith said the $31.3 million in valuation this year is the best seen by the city since the $16.7 million in valuation in 2008.
Residential construction is continuing in southwest Huron and the new Southtown Addition is now seeing apartment, home and commercial projects.
Wheatgrass Village loft apartments is a three-story complex being built, and soon to come will be Jefferson Village, a three-story apartment building for senior living.
Also in the addition will be a new Ground Round Grille and Bar and a corporate office facility for Dakotaland Federal Credit Union.
On the west side of town, dirt work is under way for the city’s new public works building in the West Industrial Park. Smith said it will house an office and shop for the water-sewer, street and traffic departments, and will feature a separate cold storage building for equipment.
In a few years, the city will have finished re-lining all of its manholes and sewer mains. All of the water mains will have been replaced, too.
The sewer main on Third Street was re-lined this year, and next year a major project will involve replacement of the water main on Dakota Avenue, between Market and Fifth streets.
The state will resurface the street in 2019, he said.
Residents will see an increase in their utility bills in 2018 and 2019 to start building a reserve fund to help the city’s share of millions of dollars in wastewater treatment plant improvements in a multi-year project.

“In order for us to be eligible for grants, for state assistance and federal assistance, you have to have a certain level of what your citizens are paying for that service,” Smith said.
Other infrastructure work this year has included new sidewalks and curb and gutter for handicap access ramps.
Streets that saw water main work in 2017 will have asphalt overlays next year, he said.
As public works commissioner, Smith said he frequently hears from the public about the state of streets, alleys and sidewalks.
“We’ve done our best to keep the streets patched as best we can,” he said.
The city’s recycling program continues to grow, with 40 percent of the 5,400 households now participating. It is reducing the solid waste stream by 12 percent.
Smith, a native of Huron, said the small public library he knew growing up is now one of the city’s gems.
“If you don’t get a chance to get down to the library or haven’t had a chance or if you’re not a member of the Huron library you’re missing out,” he said.
“I’m very impressed with our library. It is a Class A operation down there,” he said.
Huron Community Campus, with its $40 per credit hour tuition and associate degree course offerings in general studies through Northern State University, is unique, he said.
“By far it’s the least expensive you’re going to find in the state,” Smith said.
Splash Central Water Park and Central Park in the middle of town is also a popular venue, he said. The city hires about 100 seasonal workers to fill positions as lifeguards, pool managers and concessions and front desk staff.
Huron will host the National Junior High Finals Rodeo for the next two summers, and will need many volunteers, he said. Anyone interested is asked to contact the Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau.
“In junior high rodeo, this is the granddaddy. It’s a big deal, folks,” Smith said.
He also encourages residents – including members of the new Leadership Huron class who were introduced at the luncheon – to consider serving on one of the 42 different boards, commissions and committees. There are 220 volunteers who serve on those panels.
“Each year there are board openings on various board levels, and I can’t express the gratitude for the volunteers doing what they do,” he said.
“I think you’ll find that it’s very fulfilling work,” he said to potential members.
In the parks and recreation department, participation in youth soccer and softball is increasing. Youth swimming lessons sold out the first three sessions. More people are taking skating lessons, and a bean bag league was added.
The city has also been asked to consider establishing new parks in the southwest, southeast and northwest areas of town, Smith said.
Property owned by the city is located in southeast and northwest Huron, but not in southwest Huron.
“If you’re a landowner down there and you’d just really love to have a park behind you, you come see us and we’ll see what we can put together,” he said

Photo: Bryan Smith, Huron Public Works Commissioner